A group of Islamic institutions in the United States has created a million-dollar fund to combat hate speech and attacks targeting Muslims. The initiative, called the 'Resilience and Protection Foundation' (Waqf al-Sumud wa al-Himaya), aims to improve security at mosques, schools and Islamic centers and to support families who have been attacked.
The announcement of the fund came after an armed attack at an Islamic center in San Diego, California on May 18, which resulted in the deaths of three Muslims. The incident had raised concerns about a resurgence of hate crimes nationwide and threats against places of worship.
Edward Mitchell, deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), told Al Jazeera that many Islamic institutions lack the resources and experience to protect themselves. 'The foundation will help these institutions implement best security practices at a time when waves of hate are rising,' Mitchell said.
Mitchell emphasized that the fund includes not only financial support but also training programs involving former law enforcement experts. The trainings will focus on handling threats, evacuation plans and responding to serious incidents; the mosque security guide will also be updated and widely distributed.
Abdurrahman Kemal, the imam of a mosque in Virginia, said security is now the highest priority. 'Security is a fundamental requirement for worshippers to be at peace. In environments where there are children in particular, the existence of such a foundation is vital to protect mosque staff and volunteers,' he said. Kemal added that events in the United States and elsewhere in the world clearly show the danger of hate speech turning into violence.
The founders of the initiative describe the establishment of the foundation as a practical step against growing threats and a message to protect religious freedom. Officials noted that all segments of society need to cooperate, and said the efforts aim to make Islamic institutions across the country safer.
