Hate Letters Sent To Local Mosques
By Anser Hassan
STOCKTON (CBS13) - Davis is the latest California city to get a hate letter threatening the city's Muslim Community.
The letters are being sent from a group known as Americans for a Better Way. They write that President-elect Trump will "cleanse" America of Muslims. The Islamic Center of Stockton received a similar letter almost a week ago.
This Friday, the center held its first weekly congregational prayer service since receiving the threatening letter. Muslims hold their weekly congregational prayer service on early Friday afternoon, similar to Sunday morning church service.
"I guess it's to intimidate us. But at the end of the day, what do you gain by harming someone who is innocent? That's how I feel about the letter," said Naeem Ahmed, a 19-year-old college student studying business at Delta College.The letter reads in part that Donald Trump is, "going to do to you Muslims what Hitler did to the Jews."
The letter reads, in part, that Donald Trump is "going to do to you Muslims what Hitler did to the Jews."
The reaction from young Muslim Americans has been one of fear, and frustration. "I think the letter represents freedom of speech, but we're a victim to the freedom of speech as well," said Mohammad Sharif, a 25-year-old Stockton
"I think the letter represents freedom of speech, but we're a victim to the freedom of speech as well," said Mohammad Sharif, a 25-year-old Stockton resident, and small business owner.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, is a Muslim rights group. They report that there's been a 67% increase in hate crimes against Muslim Americans since 2015. Sharif blames people stereotyping Muslims based on events overseas and terrorist strikes here at home, for the spike in violence against Muslims. "We are not those things. You can't paint all of us with the same brush," said Sharif.
"We are not those things. You can't paint all of us with the same brush," said Sharif.
Stockton City council members and Mayor-elect Michael Tubbs attended the prayer service. They say it's important to show that the city stands with its Muslim residents."We are here to apologize for the ignorance of the larger world," said XX, who spoke at the event.
."We are here to apologize for the ignorance of the larger world," said XX, who spoke at the event.
"As city leaders, we need to be vigilant. As citizens, we have to make sure that people know that Stockton is different. That diversity is good. We value it," explained Stockton Mayor-Elect Michael Tubbs.
At Ariana's Kabob and Deli in downtown Stockton, Frankie Urquhart, who is Afghan-American, spends much of his time working the day shift. The 27-year-old, who is also Muslims, says the city's support is crucial – especially as more and more Muslims continue to be targeted. "That makes me feel good. You know someone has
The 27-year-old, who is also Muslim, says the city's support is crucial – especially as more and more Muslims continue to be targeted. "That makes me feel good. You know someone has
"That makes me feel good. You know someone has your back and will stand for you. Not everybody is going to do that," said Urquhart.
The Islamic Center of Stockton was established in 1978. The majority of its congregants are of Pakistani descent.
Meanwhile, the Yolo County District Attorney's Office will hold a press conference next Tuesday over the hate letter incident. Expected to attend are District Attorney Jeff Reisig, Mayor Robb Davis, Sheriff Ed Prieto, Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel and the Chair of the Yolo County Multi-Cultural Community Council.
