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IONA Condemns Vandalism at Its Masjid and Learning Center, Calls for Justice and Community Solidarity

  • IONA
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(WARREN, MI) – The Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) strongly condemns the recent vandalism that targeted the ongoing expansion project in Warren, Michigan. The attack, which occurred between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, caused damage to the mosque building, including a broken entrance door and wall damage, as well as graffiti defacing the facility and construction equipment.
IONA leadership has reported the incident to the Warren Police Department and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
“This was not just an attack on bricks and mortar,” said Imam Mustapha Elturk, Ameer of IONA. “It was an attack on our community’s sense of safety and on the sanctity of a house of worship. Acts of hate and intimidation will not deter us from serving God and our neighbors with faith, peace, and compassion.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations – Michigan (CAIR-MI) has announced a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible and has urged authorities to investigate a possible hate crime motive.
IONA has been a part of the Warren community for decades and was the first mosque established in the city. Since its inception, it has faced challenges, including anti-Muslim opposition and previous threats. Yet the organization remains steadfast in its mission of service, education, and interfaith cooperation.
“We call upon our fellow residents, community leaders, and people of all faiths and backgrounds to stand with us in rejecting hatred and bigotry in all its forms,” Imam Elturk added. “Our doors remain open, our prayers continue, and our commitment to building bridges of understanding is stronger than ever.”
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Warren Police Department.
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IONA’s mission is to transform its members and help transform the surrounding communities to righteous, God-fearing people, who collectively strive for the highest moral standard and constantly seek forgiveness from our Creator to earn His pleasure. We seek His compassion and mercy in this life and in the hereafter. We rejuvenate our soul through internal struggle and spiritual exercise in worship of our creator God. The strength of our belief in God gives us the courage to establish good and forbid evil, thus promoting a system of justice for all mankind.