In an unfortunate incident that took place overnight during the celebration of Eid al-Fitr at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, the Center for Islamic Life (CILRU) was vandalized, according to officials. The act, which occurred around 4:30 am, left the university community shocked and outraged.

Atiyah Aftab, chairwoman of the Center for Islamic Life, denounced the act of vandalism, describing it as "reprehensible" and fueled by Islamophobia. Aftab expressed her dismay at the destruction caused, including shattered windows, vandalized TVs, broken printers, smashed artwork, and the desecration of their Palestinian flag.

Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway issued a statement condemning the incident as a "criminal act of bias and hatred." He expressed solidarity with the affected community and called for a thorough investigation.

The Rutgers University Police Department is investigating the incident as a burglary, criminal mischief, and bias crime in collaboration with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. The authorities have not yet provided any updates on the progress of the investigation.

Governor Phil Murphy expressed his disgust at the vandalism, particularly during the celebration of Eid. Meanwhile, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin pledged to work with various law enforcement agencies to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Selaedin Maksut, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), expressed deep distress over the vandalism and its occurrence on the Islamic holiday of Eid. He highlighted the rising incidents of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias in the United States, with CAIR receiving 8,061 complaints of anti-Muslim bias in 2023 alone, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

These disturbing incidents shed light on the alarming wave of anti-Muslim hate seen in the country over the past year. Farah Afify, the co-author of CAIR's civil rights report, described it as the largest wave of anti-Muslim hate in more than a decade.

As the investigation into this appalling act of vandalism continues, the Rutgers University community and advocates for religious tolerance stand united in their condemnation of the incident. The hope remains that those responsible for this act will be identified and held accountable, ensuring that such acts of hatred are not tolerated within the university or the broader community.