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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR: 'No Mosque in NYC' Pig Left at Calif. Islamic Center
Muslim civil rights group asks that incident be investigated as hate crime

(SACRAMENTO, CA, 8/29/10) -- The Sacramento Valley chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV) today called on law enforcement authorities to initiate a hate crime investigation of an incident in which a mock pig inscribed with "No Mosque in NYC" was left at a California Islamic center.

CAIR-SV said the pig, which was left earlier this month in the mailbox of the mosque, was also inscribed with "Remember 9-11" and "MO HAM MED the Pig."

SEE: Images of Mock Pig Left at Calif. Mosque
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[NOTE: Islam prohibits the consumption of pork products and anti-Muslim bigots often use a pig theme as a way to cause maximum insult. Representatives of the local Muslim community have contacted law enforcement authorities, but have asked that the name of the facility not be made public due to security concerns.]

"This incident is a further symptom of the growing anti-Muslim bigotry nationwide sparked by the hysterical smear campaign targeting the planned Islamic community center in Manhattan," said CAIR-SV Executive Director Basim Elkarra. "We again ask mainstream religious and political leaders to speak out against such un-American intolerance."

SEE: Tea Party Reveals Real Reason Behind Mosque Opposition Frenzy

He said this is the second recent incident targeting a California mosque. Vandals targeting a Madera, Calif., Islamic center left signs stating "No Temple for the God of terrorism at Ground Zero. ANB," "Wake up America, the Enemy is here. ANB" and "American Nationalist Brotherhood." Yesterday, CAIR called for a hate crime investigation of arson at the future site of a Tennessee mosque.

SEE: Calif. Mosque Vandalized with Hate Signs Referring to NY Controversy

CAIR is urging American Muslim individuals and institutions to review advice on security procedures contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

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CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. 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.