NBC: Anti-Muslim Flyers Target Mokena Residents, CAIR-Chicago Calls for Hate Crime Investigation

NBC 5: Residents of Mokena, a South Suburban community, woke up to a disturbing discovery—anti-Muslim flyers left in their mailboxes.

Miryam Zayed, a teacher, parent, and proud Palestinian-American, found the offensive note written in all caps, filled with expletives and anti-Muslim sentiment. She’s unsure whether she was targeted because of her Islamic faith, Palestinian background, or a yard sign on her property. One of the flyers read: “Hope you enjoy terrorists in our neighborhood.”

The controversy appears to be linked to the recent closure of two area schools including Arbury Hills Elementary, which was sold to Orland Park Prayer Center (OPPC), an Islamic mosque. In a statement by OPPC announcing their good news: "Our plan is to move all our Quran Academy programs, which include but are not limited to: The Preschool program, Quran Intensive after school program and the weekend school program."

CAIR-Chicago denounced the flyers and is calling on authorities to investigate this as a hate crime. If you received a letter or have information, contact Mokena PD.

Read our full press statement: https://www.cairchicago.org/blog/press-statement-cair-chicago-denounces-growing-islamophobia-in-southwest-suburbs-calls-for-hate-crime-investigation