Crucifix burned into front lawn at Waterport mosque
Provided photo
WATERPORT – A local family returning home tonight passed by the mosque on Fuller Road and saw a disturbing scene: a cross burning bright in the lawn of the Muslim site.
The crucifix-shape was deep into the grass and burned for about 45 minutes, said Bilal Huzair, deputy director of the World Sufi Foundation, which uses the mosque as a prayer site and for other religious celebrations.
His wife, Alana Ross, is pictured in the photo.
Huzair and his wife drove by the scene at about 9:15 p.m. Huzair said the lawn was probably set ablaze around 9 p.m.
“It’s insane,” he said. “Why would you want a temple of God to be terrorized?”
Orleans County deputies were at the scene tonight. Anyone with information about the incident can call dispatch at (585) 589-5527.
Although the site has occasionally been a target for hate crimes, Huzair said the Muslim community feels welcomed in Waterport and Orleans County.
“Most people here are affectionate,” he said.
