New York, NY, July 22, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned the recent harassment and intimidation of Muslim worshippers on July 20 in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bay Ridge, when a car bearing Israeli flags, honking its horn, and using sirens and flashing lights, reportedly drove several times around the Islamic Society of Bay Ridge, a local mosque.

According to reports, worshippers were also pelted with eggs at another Brooklyn mosque.

Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

 We condemn these disturbing acts of bigotry, which are an affront not only to the Muslim community, but to us all. Harassment and intimidation of any community is unacceptable – whether it is the Muslim community in Bay Ridge or the recent anti-Semitic graffiti in Riverdale that included several swastikas and the words ‘kill Jews’ scrawled on a playground.  These attacks are unacceptable and it is our collective responsibility to speak out against such hate.

Harassment, intimidation, and interference with religious worship services like this send shock waves through the entire community and make people feel unsafe. It is particularly outrageous that these incidents targeted Muslim worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan.

We commend the NYPD and its Hate Crimes Task Force for their immediate response and ongoing investigation, and we hope the perpetrators will be brought swiftly to justice.

 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY