"Muslims Go Home," Al-Farooq Mosque in Nashville Vandalized With Hate Speech
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On February 10th, 2010, Al-farooq Masjid of Nashville, TN was vandalized with religiously motivated hate-speech spray painted on their outside walls. Whoever did this also left a hand written letter at the Al-farooq Youth Center that said ugly things about Muslims and Islam.
This event is particularly troubling as it comes on the heels of a sensationalist report by News Channel 5 this past weekend about a long-time Muslim community in Dover, TN, who they initially insinuated as having links to terrorists. The Muslim community in TN has faced what seems like an onslaught of hatred and violence since 9/11, from individuals and groups determined to enforce their rigid worldviews on a peaceful Muslim Americans. It’s vital that news organizations remind Tennesseans that when it comes to hate speech and violence, Muslims in TN are on the receiving end. The majority of people in Tennessee want to welcome our new neighbors with open arms. Unfortunately, based on the rhetoric of hate groups, extremist radio personalities and sensationalist media, you would think exactly the opposite.
May us all live peacefully together.
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MORE INFO/COVERAGE:
Faiths unite after vandals deface mosque | The Tennessean
After Sensationalized TV Report, Vandals Strike Nashville Mosque | Nashville Scene
Community reaches out to local Islamic Center after hate crime | City Paper
Tonight on Channel 5: Some Say They’re Terrorists… | Columbia Journalism Review
A Letter to Al-Farooq Islamic Center | JustNashville.com
Mayor, Police Chief Visit Vandalized Mosque | WKRN Channel 2
Muslim community hopes to educate others about their faith | WKRN Channel 2
After Sensationalized TV Report, Vandals Strike Nashville Mosque | Nashville Scene
Updates on the Mosque Vandalism Story | Nashville Scene
"Islamville" Report: Bad Journalism? Or Good Journalism Badly Packaged? | Nashville Scene
Community reaches out to local Islamic Center after hate crime | City Paper
Nashville Mosque Vandalized | Tiny Cat Pants
TN News Station Runs Hysterical Piece Painting Muslim Community as Terrorists | Washington Independent
Nashville Mosque Vandalized | The Tennessean
'Muslims Go home' Spray-Painted on Nashville Mosque | The Tennessean
Faiths unite after vandals deface mosque | The Tennessean
TN Mosque Vandalized After TV Station Airs Irresponsible Report On ‘Homegrown Jihad’ | Think Progress
Police investigating Nashville mosque vandalism as hate crime | CNN
"This Doesn't Represent My City" | Linked from Andrew Sullivan at The Atlantic
Vandals Spray Hate Message On Mosque | WSMV Channel 4
After Hate Crimes, Muslims Spread Message Of Peace | WSMV Channel 4
Mayor, Police Chief Visit Vandalized Mosque | WKRN Channel 2
Muslim community hopes to educate others about their faith | WKRN Channel 2
Crimes Against Islamic Center Considered Hate Crime | WTVF Channel 5
Islamic Center Opens Its Doors for Open House | WTVF Channel 5
Community Offers Aid To Of Vandalized South Nashville Mosque | Nashville Past And Present
Tennessee: Vandalism Against Mosque | RealCourage.org
Christian Supremacists strike Muslims near Nashville, again | Craig Considine
Mosque Vandalism Unites Nashville Faiths | IslamOnline
Tenn. Mosque Vandalism Shows Need to Challenge Islamophobia | CAIR Press Release
Wikipedia Entry on Crusader Cross
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STATEMENT FROM THE NASHVILLE MAYOR KARL DEAN
Sent by Janet Lacy at the Mayor's Office, Feb. 11, 2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean released this statement today regarding the vandalism of the Al-Farooq Islamic Center in Nashville:
“I went to visit the Al-Farooq Mosque today with Chief Serpas to express my concern that this crime occurred. We wanted to assure them that this incident would be fully investigated and that we will do all that we can to ensure it doesn’t happen again. This act does not represent Nashville. We are a friendly and diverse city, and we celebrate that diversity. We were very graciously received and had a pleasant and productive conversation.”
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LETTER FROM TENNESSEE JEWISH FEDERATION
Signed by Steven J. Edelstein on Feb. 11, 2010
To the Leaders and Members of the Al-Farooq Mosque:
Please know that we, in the Jewish community, are appalled by the desecration of your place of worship. One of the most important freedoms accorded by the U.S. Constitution is the freedom to worship as one chooses, and it is why this country has attracted immigrants representing nearly all the religions of the world.
Unfortunately, there are those in this country who, through ignorance, unbridled hatred of those different from them or a need for attention, commit these abhorrent acts. As Jews, we have been subjected to similar attacks on our synagogues and communal institutions in Nashville over the years and can empathize with your anguish.
As G-d’s children, we must all speak out against intolerance, bigotry and the resulting violence.
May you find support from the Nashville community to help you through this difficult time.
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For media inquiries, please contact: Elias Feghali, 615-833-0384 [ext.104], elias@tnimmigrant.org
