Attendees of the Islamic Center of San Francisco, located in Bernal Heights, faced harassment on Christmas Eve during their evening prayers.

According to ABC7 News, an individual stood outside the mosque, tearing pages from the Quran while verbally confronting worshippers entering the premises.

As described by SFist, the suspect, reportedly wielding a toy hammer resembling Thor’s hammer, has a history of targeting the mosque, with members noting similar incidents occurring three to four times before this event.

“I really hope people open their hearts and are more welcoming and accepting,” one neighbor told ABC7 News, voicing fear over the repeated harassment. “We are all immigrants to this country.”

This harassment is part of a troubling trend, as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has reported a record number of anti-Muslim incidents in San Francisco throughout 2024. Community leaders have condemned these actions, calling on city officials and law enforcement to take stronger measures to prevent such acts and ensure the safety of religious communities.

The Islamic Center of San Francisco continues to receive support from interfaith organizations and local community members, who have rallied together to denounce hate crimes and promote unity. Advocacy groups are urging public officials to take decisive steps to address the rise in Islamophobia and create educational programs fostering inclusivity.

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