(CHICAGO, IL, 4/2/07) - The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today condemned vandalism of a Chicago synagogue as "reprehensible." Derogatory messages were spray-painted on the Ner Tamid Ezra-Habonin Congregation of North Town early Saturday; Spray-painted messaged included, "death to Israel."

SEE: Synagogue Possible Target of Hate Crime (Chicago Tribune) http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-070401hatecrime,0,2959428.story

"This reprehensible attack on a house of worship should be condemned by Americans of all faiths," said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab. "Political disagreement should manifest itself in intellectual debate, not in the cowardly defilement of sacred places," he said. Rehab called the synagogue's president to express the Muslim community's sympathy and support.

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 32 chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

- END - CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director (847) 971-3963 or (312) 212-1520 director@cairchicago.org