Members of a historic San Francisco mosque are voicing concerns about their safety and security following repeated incidents of harassment targeting their community.
The latest episode occurred on December 24, when surveillance footage captured a man tearing pages out of the Quran in front of the Islamic Center of San Francisco, one of California’s oldest mosques. Witnesses say the man, known to have harassed mosque members on multiple occasions, also brandished what appeared to be a toy hammer while confronting people entering the mosque.
“He was flipping through our holy book, the Quran, tearing pages and waving them at the security camera,” explained Zuhaib Siddique, a member of the mosque. “This individual has caused trouble here three or four times before.”
This incident is part of a troubling trend. Earlier this year, in April, a separate act of vandalism was caught on video when another individual smashed six windows of a mosque on Sutter Street using a skateboard.
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Zahra Billoo, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in San Francisco, expressed alarm over the increasing number of reports involving mosque-targeted hate crimes in the city.
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“We’re seeing a disturbing rise in incidents,” said Billoo. “This year alone, San Francisco has experienced more mosque-targeted attacks than any previous year on record. This is creating an environment of fear among community members.”
Billoo also pointed to broader societal issues contributing to the rise in Islamophobia. “The hate we’re witnessing isn’t limited to individual incidents. It reflects systemic issues, including U.S. policies and global events, like the genocide in Palestine,” she added.
Community Outrage and Calls for Action
Local residents and neighbors have condemned the targeting of mosques, emphasizing the need for unity and acceptance.
“It’s heartbreaking and infuriating,” said Trysta Cunningham, a San Francisco resident. “We should be fostering understanding and compassion. This country is built on diversity, and no one should feel unsafe practicing their faith.”
Islamic leaders are calling for stronger responses from local officials and law enforcement to address the surge in hate crimes.
“We are witnessing a 30-year high in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian racism,” Billoo stressed. “It’s critical for elected leaders and law enforcement to take a stand and send a clear message that hate will not be tolerated in San Francisco.”
As concerns mount, the community continues to advocate for increased protections and awareness to ensure the safety and dignity of all residents.
