Assalam o Alaikum and prayers to you and your families. I on behalf of the board wanted to reach out to you directly instead of here say from media outlets in regards to a threat received at the Islamic Center. Most importantly, let me assure you that Police and FBI have not only been called, have cleared the facility but continue to be engaged to work with us on the safety of the community and the Islamic Center. The following statement was provided to the Press that gives the necessary background.
I would reiterate the importance of you and your families to be vigilant in being alert to and reporting to law enforcement and to civil rights organizations any threats, harm or dangers to you, your family or the community.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement issued by The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati on Receiving a Bomb Threat
It is with great dismay and deep concern that the wave of hate against fellow Americans and religious institutions has reached the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati(ICGC) which received a bomb threat over the weekend. A message threatening in nature was received claiming a bomb had been placed on the premises. West Chester Police and the FBI were immediately alerted, came on-site, investigated, and cleared the facility of danger.
The Center's leadership is continuing to work with law enforcement to assure investigation and on-going safety precautions, including stepped up security.
ICGC is concerned, but we will not be intimidated. We ask Greater Cincinnati to stand alongside us in pursuing a community that welcomes love, kindness and compassion as our Quran teaches. When you hear racist comments, firmly declare that's not acceptable in Greater Cincinnati. When you learn of hateful threats, urge others to report the perpetrators to police. Bomb threats are a real danger. Even greater danger is to tolerate them silently. When institutions like ours, committed to the welfare of everyone with whom we share this community, are targeted for acts of hate, the victims are not Muslims alone, but all Cincinnatians who desire a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all persons who reside, work and worship here. It comes at a time when the Islamic Center was finalizing a statement to condemn the acts of hatred and threats against the Jewish community as well as immigrants, showing us that when we tolerate a climate of hate, no one is immune.
We call on our regional and national public officials to not only condemn these acts of hatred but strengthen action to counter these very real threats against fellow Americans and institutions. Muslim Americans are committed to the diversity of faith and cultures that has made America a proud example for the rest of the world. This bomb threat only serves to strengthen our resolve to stand in solidarity with our community partners in defense and support of our vulnerable populations and our mutual rights as Americans.
Shakila T Ahmad
Board Chair and President
Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
