CAIR Calls for Investigation After Alleged Anti-Muslim Harassment of Children Outside New York Mosque

CAIR Calls for Investigation After Alleged Anti-Muslim Harassment of Children Outside New York Mosque
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The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) has condemned the alleged harassment of Muslim minors outside a mosque in Albany, following the circulation of a video that appeared to show a woman making racist, Islamophobic, and anti-immigrant remarks toward members of the Muslim community.

According to the person who shared the video, the woman confronted a 15-year-old boy and his sisters outside the mosque, allegedly using derogatory language about their faith and background and telling them to “go back” to their country. The video also appears to show the woman making political and religious statements during the confrontation.

CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher said targeting children because of their race or religion is unacceptable and called for an investigation into the incident. She said Muslim children should be able to attend places of worship without fear of harassment or intimidation.

The organization urged law enforcement to examine the allegations and encouraged witnesses or anyone with additional information to come forward. CAIR also reminded community members that threats, harassment, and discrimination based on religious identity may violate civil rights protections.

The incident comes amid broader concerns over rising anti-Muslim bias in the United States. According to CAIR’s latest civil rights report, the organization received 8,683 complaints of anti-Muslim discrimination in 2025, the highest number recorded since it began publishing annual reports in 1996.