(ST. LOUIS, MO., 9/3/15) – The St. Louis Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-St. Louis) today welcomed a hate crime charge brought against an Alabama man who allegedly shouted anti-Muslim insults and hit a man who was walking to a Missouri mosque on the first night of Ramadan.

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(SAINT LOUIS, MO., 12/19/14) – On Sunday, December 21, Humanity Against Terrorism and Solidarity for Peace (HATSP) and the St. Louis chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-St. Louis) will hold a prayer vigil for the victims of the Peshawar school attack.

WHAT: Pray Vigil for Peshawar
WHERE: Shaw Park, 27 South Brentwood Blvd, St. Louis MO, 63105
WHEN: Sunday December 21, 12:45 – 2:30 p.m.

The vigil will consist of speeches by community leaders and the general public. There will be several moments of silence to remember the victims and their families followed by prayers for peace and an end to violence.

"This brutal attack is against all of humanity and must be condemned by people of all faiths and backgrounds," said Faizan Syed, executive director of CAIR-St. Louis.

"What happened in Peshawar is a big reminder to not only Pakistan, but the whole world," said Sarah (Laila) Ali HATSP co-coordinator for the vigil. "We cannot let terrorist groups continue to hurt our children, families, and friends. We request all peoples of conscience to stand in solidarity for the victims, pray for peace, and stand against terrorism."

"In times of tragedy vigils like this allow us to show our common humanity," said Sana Rehman another co-coordinator of the vigil. "I want to give people an opportunity to mourn the deceased, show our humanity, and pray for an end to violence everywhere."

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 coalition that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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Contact: CAIR-St. Louis Executive Director Faizan Syed, 314-403-3626,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., CAIR National Communication Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Committee Member of HATSP Sarah Ali, 314-814-0877, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Committee Member of HATSP Sana Rehman, 330-607-8616, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Committee Member Ayesha Bajwa, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 314-608-9600; Committee Member Abida Farooqui, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 713-818-9556

(SAINT LOUIS, MO, 2/11/15) – The Muslim Student Association of Saint Louis University (SLU MSA) and the Saint Louis Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-St. Louis) are holding a prayer service vigil for the three young Muslims who were shot in the head yesterday in Chapel Hill, N.C.

WHAT: Memorial Gather at the Clock Tower
WHEN: Thursday, February 12, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: 1 North Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis MO, 63103

SEE: Prayer Service for Chapel Hill Victims
https://www.facebook.com/events/853637421341400   

“In light of this devastating story, I believe it is our duty as American-Muslims to provide some form of solace for our students and community members,” said Adil Husain Co-President of SLU MSA.

“The news of their murders sent chills into the hearts of our community across the country,” said Faizan Syed Executive Director of CAIR-St. Louis. “We are horrified by the brutal murders and frustrated by the limited media coverage of this incident compared to other violent extremist acts.”

The alleged killer, 46-year-old Craig Stephen Hicks, has been arrested and charged three counts of first-degree murder. He is accused of shooting Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, his wife Yusor Abu-Salha, 21, and her sister, Razan Abu-Salha, 19 at the University of North Carolina. Both female victims are pictured online wearing Islamic head scarves (hijab). No motive for the shootings has been released.

"Based on the brutal nature of this crime, the past anti-religion statements of the alleged perpetrator, the religious attire of two of the victims, and the rising anti-Muslim rhetoric in American society, we urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to quickly address speculation of a possible bias motive in this case," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "Our heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of the victims and to the local community." 

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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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; CAIR-St. Louis Executive Director Faizan Syed, 314-403-3626, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.​