An interfaith unity news conference will take place on Wednesday, July 8, at 1:30 p.m. at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center, 1421 Tyson Ave.
The event follows an arson that took place early Sunday morning. The main prayer hall was saved from major damage.
Wednesday’s event is being coordinated by the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and it will include appearances by city elections commission chairman Omar Sabir, other elected officials, faith leaders, community leaders and civil rights organizations.
Sabir will announce a personal contribution of $2,500 toward the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the attack. His contribution matches the $2,500 reward previously announced by CAIR-Philadelphia, bringing the total reward to $5,000.
“I am deeply disturbed by the unsettling and saddening act of arson committed against the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center over the holiday weekend. An attack on any place of worship is an attack on the civic fabric of Philadelphia. We cannot allow acts of violence to divide our city or make any Philadelphian feel unsafe,” Sabir said.
State Sen. Christine Tartaglione, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon and City Councilman Anthony Phillips issued this joint statement:
“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the apparent arson attack targeting the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center. A house of worship should always be a place of peace, reflection, and community, never the target of hatred or violence.
“The Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center is a vital part of our community that has welcomed families, served neighbors, and brought people together for many years. An attack on this mosque is an attack on the fundamental right of every Pennsylvanian to practice their faith freely and safely. We stand united in rejecting hatred and reaffirming that our community is stronger because of its diversity.
“We are grateful that no one was injured, and we urge law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible fully accountable. If you have any information, please reach out to Northeast Detectives.
“We will continue standing with our Muslim neighbors and working to ensure that every resident can worship freely and without fear.”
Security camera footage as well as a link to the mosque’s GoFundMe page can be accessed at pa.cair.com/pressrelease/nepic-arson-attempt/ ••
