The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), a coalition of over 60 Islamic institutions in the Chicagoland area, denounces the hateful vandalism against the Chicago Loop Synagogue which occurred shortly before 12:30 a.m. on Saturday according to a video released by police.
The person wanted for the crime placed swastika stickers on the front door of the synagogue then proceeded to break other windows with a metal object. The suspect is described as a White male wearing dark clothes and a dark head mask and driving a dark-colored SUV, possibly a Toyota Highlander.
“We offer our support to our neighbors at the Chicago Loop Synagogue and stand firmly with the Jewish community against these acts of hate.” said Aymen Abdel Halim, CIOGC Communications Director, in a letter to the synagogue.
“During a time of increased Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, our communities’ resolve to overcome remains unshaken. This is a testament to our faiths, collective strength, and resiliency as communities to overcome hate. We stand closer today with the Jewish community to say hate has no place in our neighborhoods and to reaffirm our commitment to fight against it with you every step of the way.”
CIOGC is planning talks and visits with Jewish community leadership to address community challenges in the coming days and has recently organized efforts with Chicago-based Jewish groups and leaders to challenge President Trump’s ban on Muslim immigrants and refugees.