Hate Packages Sent to US Mosques, Islamic Institutions Asked to Report Suspicious Mail

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/27/10) --

CAIR is calling on officials of American Muslim institutions to report any suspicious mail they may receive through the United States Postal Service (USPS).

The United States Postal Inspection Service told CAIR that at least four packages containing harassing messages and bacon were sent to American mosques from Denver, Colo.

[NOTE: Muslims are prohibited from eating pork products and such items are frequently used by anti-Muslim bigots as a means to cause the maximum offense.]

"We ask local, state and federal authorities to treat these mailings as a form of religious intimidation and to use all relevant hate crime laws and postal regulations in apprehending and prosecuting those involved," said CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin.

Rubin said mosques nationwide have recently been targeted by hate incidents and vocal opposition based on anti-Islam views.

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ACTION REQUESTED:

1. REPORT SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES to the United States Postal Service, local law enforcement authorities, the FBI, and to CAIR.

2. CONSULT ADVICE ON HANDLING SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES offered in CAIR's "Muslim Community Safety Kit."

Suspect Letters and Packages

What to look for:

* Name and title of addressee are not accurate.
* No return address, or the sender is not known to the addressee.
* Handwriting is distorted.
* Unprofessionally wrapped, uneven, bulky, lopsided.
* Contains bulges or soft spots.
* Poorly wrapped package is marked "Fragile-Handle With Care," "Rush," or has unusual restrictions such as "Personal" or "Private."
* Excess amount of postage.
* Protruding wires or tin foil.
* Package makes a buzzing or ticking noise, a sloshing sound, or emits an odor.

What to do:

* DON'T open the package or letter.
* DON'T put it in water or in a confined space such as a drawer.
* DO isolate the article and secure the immediate area.
* DO open windows if possible to help vent potential explosive gases.
* DO contact your local police department and Postal Inspector.

3. MAKE SINCERE DU'A for peace, justice and interfaith tolerance.

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 National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, or 202-488-8787, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

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