'Hostile Messages': Baltimore Mosque Faces Rising Islamophobia, Harassment
The Islamic Center of Owings Mills has received threats from an unknown person who has been "very aggressive," according to the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR).
"Mosque leaders have reported threatening, hostile, and violent messages and phone calls," CAIR director Zainab Chaudry said, WBAL TV reported on Thursday.
She said these incidents have increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7.
A mosque leader said the unnamed person had left "unhinged" and chilling messages and conversations that attacked Islam and vilified Muslims, causing alarm and concern.
Chaudry said at least seven mosques in Maryland had been targeted by hate between Oct. 9 and Dec. 2. CAIR also received 223 complaints during that period.
"This is a horrific act of violence that has shaken the community, not only in Newark, but across the country," Chaudry said.
CAIR is urging mosques to enhance their security. It has notified the Baltimore County police of the incidents in Owings Mills and requested increased patrols.
"We want to ensure that there is a visible security presence, which can often deter any potential incident from happening," Chaudry said.
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Officials also want county leaders to take more action to address Islamophobia and harassment.
"I think part of the conversation needs to focus on raising public awareness of the intolerance for bigotry and hatred," Chaudry said. "We believe that more can be done to help keep our communities safe."
In a separate statement on CAIR's website, Chaudry said “Muslim and Arab communities in Maryland continue to grapple with the consequences of surging bigotry, xenophobia, censorship, and erasure amidst the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the persistent dehumanization of Palestinians.”
Source: Agencies
