Early Wednesday morning, an Islamic student center at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, known as the Center for Islamic Life (CILRU), was broken into and vandalized. The intruder or intruders smashed religious items, televisions, and even Star Wars figurines, as well as ripped down a Palestinian flag. The incident occurred on Eid al-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Despite the damage, Muslim chaplain Kaiser Aslam expressed resilience, stating that while the building may have been targeted, their will and hearts remain intact. Campus police are investigating the incident as a burglary, criminal mischief, and bias crime.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin both condemned the vandalism, with Murphy calling it an affront to the values of the community and Platkin affirming that those involved will be held accountable. The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations also expressed deep distress over the incident and urged Rutgers to address the concerns of Muslim students who have faced rising anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate. CILRU’s board chair, Atiya Aftab, described the vandalism as fueled by Islamophobia and considered it a hate crime targeting the Muslim population at Rutgers.
Aslam suggested that the break-in may have been related to Eid al-Fitr and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, noting that the campus has been tense with increased activism and feelings of vilification within the Muslim and Arab communities. CILRU had previously gone years without incident but had now become the target of vandalism. Aslam believes the attack was aimed at intimidating the community but stressed that they would continue to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and maintain CILRU as a safe haven for students. The chaplain indicated that security cameras were being reviewed for investigative leads and expressed gratitude that no one was hurt during the incident.
President of Rutgers University, Jonathan Holloway, emphasized that hate has no place at the institution and that Islamophobia and intolerance stem from ignorance. He condemned the incident as an attack on the values of the community. The campus administration, along with law enforcement officials, launched an investigation into the burglary and vandalism. Meanwhile, reactions poured in from various quarters, with support and solidarity offered to the Muslim community at Rutgers. Leaders vowed to ensure justice was served in the case, denouncing Islamophobia and hate crimes.
Despite the disturbing nature of the break-in, Aslam remained optimistic and resilient, asserting that the Muslim community would persevere and continue to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. He said that efforts to vilify and intimidate them would not succeed in dampening their spirits. Aslam highlighted the outpouring of support from government officials and the community, indicating that they were determined to rebuild and reinforce CILRU as a safe space for students. The incident, while troubling, also served as a reminder of the importance of unity, solidarity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
