NEW YORK CITY– 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, has condemned a reported hate crime targeting a man reportedly affiliated with a Jewish summer camp in Albany.

According to Albany police, on the evening of Monday, Aug. 4, a man approached the individual outside the E-Z Wash laundromat on Central Avenue and allegedly hurled derogatory slurs before attempting to punch the victim and fleeing the scene. The assailant reportedly continued to shout slurs while fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported, and police are actively investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, said,  “No one should be subjected to intimidation or violence simply for existing. We must treat each act of bigoted violence as a threat to our shared values of pluralism, safety, and justice.”

CAIR-NY is calling for a thorough investigation of the incident, accountability for the perpetrator, and proactive measures by state and local authorities to address rising hate violence across various New York communities.

Nasher said that CAIR-NY and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging anti-Semitism, systemic anti-black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.

CAIR-NY urges the public to remain vigilant, to report all hate incidents, and to report affected communities through allyship and advocacy.

CAIR-NY’s stated mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

The  investigation into the incident is active. Anyone with information may contact the Albany Police, 518- 462-8039.