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CAIR: Burned Quran Found at San Francisco Mosque
Muslim civil rights group urges community members to report suspicious activity

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 9/18/10) –- The San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) today reported that a burned copy of the Quran, Islam's holy text, was found earlier this week at the Islamic Society of San Francisco (ISSF).

CAIR-SFBA is reminding community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the area of local mosques.

ISSF officials reported to CAIR-SFBA that they found the burned copy of the Quran in a trash container placed outside for collection. The incident was reported to the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and to the San Francisco office of the FBI.

"Regrettably, the recent wave of hate incidents targeting American Muslims has made its way to the Bay Area," said CAIR-SFBA Programs and Outreach Director Zahra Billoo. "It is unfortunate that a minority community is being targeted by hate in this way, and we are appreciative of the support that has been expressed by local elected officials and interfaith leaders."

She noted that Muslim communities nationwide have been similarly targeted in recent weeks.

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"Community members are encouraged to report any and all suspicious incidents to local authorities and CAIR-SFBA immediately," said Billoo.

CAIR recently launched a national public service announcement (PSA) campaign designed to challenge growing Islamophobia in America.

SEE: American Muslims Speak Out: 9/11 Happened to Us All

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization also launched a"Learn, Don't Burn" educational initiative in response to an extremist Gainesville, Fla., church's now-canceled plan to burn copies of the Quran on September 11.

SEE: CAIR Responds to Fla. Book Burning with Educational Campaign

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.

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