The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed profound disappointment and disgust after an anti-Muslim social media post was made from the account of a Capital Region restaurant in the immediate aftermath of the tragic death of 7-year-old Muslim child Harbe Nagi.
The post reportedly attacked Islam and Muslims while commenting on the child's death before it was deleted and apologized for by the restaurant's owner.
"To God we belong, and to God is our return. We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Harbi Naji’s family during this difficult time of mourning.
“We also express anguish over the callous remarks exploiting this tragedy to spread anti-Muslim hate. No grieving family should have to face this kind of cruelty in the midst of unimaginable loss. To respond to the death of an innocent child with bigotry instead of basic human decency reflects a disturbing level of dehumanization that continues to target Muslim communities. We hope the family finds comfort in the overwhelming support and solidarity shown by people who reject this hate," said CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher.
Nasher added that while the restaurant has apologized, the incident should serve as a reminder that Islamophobia remains deeply embedded in public discourse and can surface even during moments that should unite communities in grief and compassion.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR has repeatedly condemned hate rhetoric and actions by public officials.
Yesterday, CAIR called on Wisconsin elected officials and political leaders from both parties to publicly repudiate a pattern of anti-Muslim and racist rhetoric by U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI).
Earlier this week, CAIR’s Minnesota chapter called on members of Congress to publicly rebuke U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) for racist and xenophobic remarks targeting Somali Americans.
Washington, D.C. based CAIR’s latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 - the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996. |
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