On October 11, 2021, an apparent arsonist set fire to The Islamic Center of Tacoma in University Place. The Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation (CRPF) wishes to voice support for the Islamic community which has been shaken by this event. CRPF condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack on a house of worship just as prayer services were to begin.
Our Muslim friends and neighbors have had to deal with constant oppression during the last 20 years, and anti-Muslim violence has spiked again in recent years due to misinformation and racist political movements.
Fortunately the Mosque and the Islamic Center community have received an outpouring of sympathy and support from across Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest, and well-over $200.000 has been donated to rebuild the Mosque, on the way to a goal of $500,000. The community is currently worshipping in a nearby church.
The Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation is dedicated to the ideal of a multicultural Tacoma, joyously celebrating our rich heritages and cultural contributions, as we become more and more of a global city. We encourage everyone to resist these waves of racist thoughts, words and deeds. If you see or hear something, say something!
And consider making a donation to the Islamic Center of Tacoma as they seek to repair the damage done and to heal the community harmed by this attack.