The Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC) is deeply troubled by the recent physical and verbal attacks on three Muslim residents of New York—including a 12-year-old girl—in three separate incidents in Bay Ridge. The perpetrator appears to have targeted the women and a child simply because they are Muslim. We have seen a frightening increase in anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Our city’s strength is our commitment to welcoming those seeking safety and opportunity, and NYC has benefited tremendously from their contributions.
AAFSC stands in solidarity with Muslim and other immigrant communities in New York City. Instead of contributing to the surge in harmful rhetoric and attacks on communities facing unprecedented uncertainty and insecurity, we can help our city as a whole by lifting each other.
Our organization was founded by neighbors helping neighbors. Last year alone we served 20,000 New Yorkers by linking them to critical services including health care, English language lessons, and food assistance, and providing a community to help them thrive in this city.
For our friends in Bay Ridge: we are here for and with you, and our doors will always be open to you.