ADC on Alert: “Punish a Muslim Day”

Washington, DC | www.adc.org | March 29, 2018 | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), the nation’s largest Arab-American civil rights organization, is outraged by the hateful and violent fliers encouraging people to take part in “Punish a Muslim Day.”

Originating in London, where they were left at the steps of several mosques, the fliers have alarmed communities across the U.S. From a school district in Vermont to the Chicago Police Department, authorities are worried that the planned day – Tuesday, April 3 – may lead to hate crimes against Arabs and Muslims and anyone suspected of being Arab and/or Muslim.

This is a frighteningly outspoken promotion of violence that requires the utmost vigilance and community readiness. ADC is on alert to provide support and services for our community and anyone who may be harmed by this grotesque flyer.

If you feel you have been a victim of a hate crime, please contact the ADC Pro Bono Legal Department at 202-244-2990 or to legal@adc.org.

ADC reminds its members and the greater community to be safe and exercise precaution. Please keep the following precautionary advisory tips in mind.

Precaution Advisory

  • Connect: Reach out and develop relationships with your community, including local law enforcement. Having these relationships established before an incident occurs can help speed up the response when something happens, or when a threat is imminent. It is advisable to find out whether your place of worship has an open line of communication with law enforcement. If there is no line of communication, it is advised that one be established. A request for law enforcement presence should be made with law enforcement prior to large gatherings at places of worship.
  • Plan: Take time now to plan on how you will handle a security event should one occur. Leaders at places of worship are encouraged to have an emergency plan that can be implemented should the need arise.  Be familiar with all the exits to your place of worship, in case the building is attacked.
  • Train: Provide employees and members of the congregation with training resources and exercise your plan often. The best-laid plan must be exercised in order to be effective.
  • If finances allow, places of worship should retain armed security personnel to protect the premise during prayer and celebrations.
  • If you see someone suspicious at the place of worship, please contact law enforcement immediately.

Department of Homeland Security Resources

  • Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI) information is available by clicking here. SAR training for private sector partners is located here.
  • DHS Infrastructure Protection works with community members to enhance overall security infrastructure at places of worship. To learn more about the program, please contact Protective Security Advisors, DHS Infrastructure Protection, nicc@dhs.gov to be connected with regional protective security advisors. For more info click here.
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