(TAMPA, FL, 7/31/2023) – The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the fourth antisemitic incident reported to Pensacola Police in just weeks, the latest occurred at Florida’s First Jewish temple, Temple Beth El.
CAIR-Florida is calling on the Pensacola Police and the FBI to conduct a full investigation into those responsible for the series of antisemitic attacks on the Jewish community of Pensacola, being the latest on their sacred place of worship.
ABC 3 WEAR News and multiple other media outlets reported that the Pensacola Police is investigating an attack with two bricks with messages breaking into the windows of Temple Beth El, on Friday July 28, the fourth such xenophobic incidents in Pensacola in recent weeks.
The Alabama AL.com News report highlighted that Temple Beth El was the first Jewish house of worship in Florida, with the first temple erected in 1876. The current temple on North Palafox Street opened in 1931.
SEE: Pensacola Jewish temple hit with bricks in fourth antisemitic incident in 2 weeks
Florida’s first Jewish temple hit with bricks with anti-Semitic messages: 4th attack in recent weeks
Pensacola Jewish temple hit with bricks in fourth antisemitic incident in 2 weeks
CAIR-Florida Executive Director Imam Abdullah Jaber stated:
“Our places of worship – synagogues, churches, and masjids – are not mere buildings; they are our sanctuaries, our second homes. An attack on them is an attack on our very community. The perpetrators’ repugnant actions, now the fourth attack, send a chilling message. We urge local state and federal law enforcement agencies to stand vigilant and protect our religious institutions.”
He called religious institutions of all faiths to use the advice offered in CAIR’s “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep those facilities safe.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
END
CONTACT: CAIR- FL Media & Outreach Director Wilfredo A. Ruiz, 305-503-6749, [email protected]
