CAIR CONDEMNS BIAS ATTACK ON CALIF. RABBI'S HOME

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 5/6/2010) ­- The San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) today condemned an apparently bias-motivated attack on the Northern California home of Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of Tikkun Magazine.
According to news reports, posters critical of the rabbi were plastered on his home and property on May 2. The posters alleged the prominent rabbi and peace activist was a "friend of terrorism" and supporter of "Islamofascism." The attack was followed by phone calls to his office claiming the rabbi was "dead."
SEE: Home of Tikkun's Rabbi Lerner Vandalized

"We call on law enforcement authorities to investigate this troubling incident and to apprehend the perpetrators so that they may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," said Zahra Billoo, programs and outreach director for CAIR-SFBA. "There can be no excuse for targeting individuals based on their political views, national origin, race, ethnicity, or religion."
She said it is important that community members and activists review advice on security procedures contained in CAIR's "Muslim Community Safety Kit."
Billoo added: "It is important that law enforcement authorities send the message that this type of effort to silence activism will not be tolerated."

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.
CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Programs and Outreach Director Zahra Billoo, 626-252-0885, E-Mail: zbilloo@cair.com