May 18, 2023

Minneapolis, MN – Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), issued the following statement:  

“JCRC condemns the arson attack at Tawhid Islamic Center in St. Paul – the sixth reported vandalism of a mosque in 2023. Thankfully, the building was unoccupied, though the physical structure was heavily damaged.  

“The attack comes in the wake of arson attacks on two mosques in Minneapolis that has resulted in an arrest and charges against a suspect. We hope justice is served in that case and in this latest attack.  

“Hate is on the rise in Minnesota. Stretching back to the bombing at Dar al-Farooq Islamic Center in 2017, Minnesota’s Muslim community has faced unacceptable threats and violence. As a community whose houses of worship are also threatened, we share our Muslim neighbors’ outrage at these attacks.  

“At the capitol, JCRC proudly led the advocacy for increased funding for Minnesota’s Supplemental Nonprofit Security Grant Program and worked in coalition to pass hate crimes legislation. It’s clear, however, that many more dollars are needed to protect houses of worship in Minnesota.  

“We remain in solidarity with our Muslim neighbors and will continue to offer our resources and support for all houses of worship who, sadly, must be increasingly vigilant against malicious actors.”  

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As the public affairs voice of the Jewish community, the JCRC fights antisemitism and prejudice, advocates for Israel, provides Holocaust education, promotes tolerance and social justice, and builds bridges across the Jewish and broader communities.