Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes Surge 196% in Chicago

CHICAGO, September 11, 2024 (The Islamic Information) – The city of Chicago has witnessed an alarming 196% increase in hate crimes targeting Muslims and Palestinians since October 7, 2023, according to recent data released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

Maggie Slavin, operations manager for CAIR’s Chicago branch, confirmed the statistics, expressing deep concern over the escalating situation. “The 196% increase in hate crimes against Muslims and Palestinians in Chicago is unprecedented and deeply troubling,” Slavin told AFP.

The surge coincides with the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October 2023, which appears to have fueled anti-Muslim sentiment in the country.

On a national scale, CAIR reported a 69% increase in complaints of bias incidents in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The organization documented 4,951 incoming complaints from January to June 2024, marking the highest number of complaints in its 30-year history.

These incidents range from physical assaults and vandalism to discrimination in educational institutions and workplaces. However, experts warn that the actual number of hate crimes may be higher, as many incidents go unreported.

The rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes has raised concerns among community leaders and civil rights advocates, who are calling for increased efforts to combat Islamophobia and protect vulnerable communities.

As tensions continue to simmer, local authorities and community organizations in Chicago are working to address the issue and provide support to affected individuals and communities.