As the recent fire at the historic Millford Mill Swim Club facility, which sit on 19-acres owned by the Gulzar-e-Madina Masjid in Baltimore County, signifies that it is extremely important for masjid leaders to learn the difference between a hate crime and arson. The intentionally set fire destroyed the uninsured 3,000-square-foot building, which was being prepared as a house for the imam, Hafiz M Hussain.
Four juveniles were arrested and two were charged with arson of the property. The police investigation continues. So far there are no indications that this was a hate crime.
Connecting with neighbors and the larger interfaith community plays a tremendous role in keeping everyone safe. We cannot isolate ourselves and think that will protect us, shared Zainab Chaudhry of CAIR-MD as she advised people not to react until the investigation into the fire was complete.
In light of the growing number of threats targeting faith-based institutions, on December 10, 2015 the Maryland Outreach Department of the Council on American-Islamic Relations will partner with the Maryland Governor's Office on Community Initiatives and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights to organize the first statewide 'Maryland Emergency Preparedness Summit for Faith Leaders.
The event is specifically designed to educate faith leaders of all religious backgrounds on the nature and scope of challenges potentially facing their houses of worship.
The summit will feature experts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Maryland Emergency Management Agency, and the Maryland State Police, among others.
For a cost of ten dollars masjid leaders can attend the event at the Center for Social Change at 6600 Amberton Drive in Elkridge, MD.
Summit speakers will expand on what constitutes a hate crime; provide preventative measures and techniques to safeguard property and people; suggest strategies to counter intolerance; share information on grants and other local, state and federal resources; and empower faith leaders to implement measures and policies to protect themselves and their communities.
"Diverse faith communities have become increasingly vulnerable to religious and racial intolerance, hate crimes and mass casualty incidents," said CAIR Maryland Outreach Manager Zainab Chaudry. "Remaining informed, prepared and engaged is key to protecting religious institutions and upholding our constitutional values. This summit is intended to provide faith leaders with key information and resources."
To register please visit: www.md-emergencypreparedness.eventbrite.com or call CAIR Maryland Outreach Manager Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, (410) 971-6062
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