(CHICAGO, IL, 1/5/2022) Today, the Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights advocacy organization, welcomed a hate crime charge for neo-Nazi vandalism targeting an Illinois church.

A man was charged with painting multiple Nazi swastikas on Pathway Community Church in Elmhurst, IL. The suspect has been charged with one count of Hate Crime (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Institutional Vandalism - Church (Class 3 Felony) for the December 30 vandalism. A court appearance is scheduled for January 30, 2023.

POLICE: Man Spray-Paint Swastikas on Chicago-Area Church

“Houses of worship of all faiths must be safe spaces that are free of bigoted intimidation and harassment,” said CAIR-Chicago Executive Ahmed Rehab. “Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other religious institutions should increase security measures as bigotry rises nationwide.”

Rehab recommended religious communities use the advice offered in CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety,” which can be of help to all houses of worship.

He said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systematic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.

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CAIR-Chicago is the Chicago Chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Our mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.

CONTACT: CAIR-Chicago Executive Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Erin Davis, 773-802-8786, epdavis@cair.com;