Community Unites Against Hate After Assault On Muslim Elder

MORGAN HILL, Calif. (KGO) -- An alleged hate crime targeting an elderly Muslim community member has galvanized local leaders and allies to unite in calling for an end to Islamophobia. On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, they convened at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, marking a significant demonstration of solidarity during the holy month of Ramadan.

“We are observing the month of Ramadan,” said Zahra Billo, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) San Francisco Bay Area. “It is a holy month for Muslims, during which we fast from sun up to sundown, and we gather every night for congregational prayers.” The ongoing observance of Ramadan has seen many gatherings across the Bay Area, with a prayer service held at the Morgan Hill venue on March 7.

The local CAIR chapter received alarming reports about an assault that occurred after community members concluded their prayer. According to Billo, as congregants exited the building, they were confronted by a man who verbally assaulted several individuals and subsequently battered an elderly member, voicing his hatred for Muslims and Palestinians. “This wasn't just a random act of violence. This was somebody who took action against people because he thought they were Palestinian and because of their physical Muslim attire,” Billo emphasized.

Noshaba Afzal, a member of South Valley Islamic Community, recounted her experience upon arriving outside shortly after the incident. “Just letting [the elderly man's] daughter know it’s not acceptable. It’s not something that anyone should ever have to endure,” she said, conveying the immense support from within the community.

The Morgan Hill Police Department confirmed their prompt response to the location of the alleged disturbance, stating that the case is still under active investigation. This inquiry could potentially include hate crime violations, reflecting the serious nature of the assault.

At the rally, community leaders including Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas and Morgan Hill City Councilmember Yvonne Martinez-Beltran coordinated efforts to call attention to the seriousness of the situation and to express their unified stance against hate. “Our Muslim community needs to feel the love and support that they deserve, because they were really feeling overlooked and isolated,” Arenas remarked.

In the wake of the assault, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to reaffirm support for protected classes and the immigrant community. A similar measure is under consideration by the Morgan Hill City Council. The hope among community members is that such actions can foster a more inclusive atmosphere.

Despite the outpouring of support, some community members expressed discontent regarding the silence from Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner. They noted that they had not heard from him since the reports of the March 7 assault. Turner later reached out, stating, “I was not notified of the press conference until late the night before and was out of town.” He added that he opposes hate crimes and those who incite division within communities, pledging to wait for the investigation's results to offer a more informed comment.

The collective outrage is not limited to local gatherings; broader initiatives are also underway. As part of ongoing efforts to reassure the community, the Morgan Hill City Council will vote on April 2 on a proposal ensuring that residents will not face investigation for reporting hate crimes as victims. “We need to make sure that people are comfortable coming forward, and they know that this is not within the city’s role and that when they come to this city, they’re safe,” said Yvonne Martinez-Beltran, Morgan Hill's Mayor Pro Tem.

The Santa Clara County has referred the case to its own hate crime task force and rapid response unit. This aims to ensure that victims of such crimes feel supported and protected. As stated by Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, “We need to have a campaign letting people know where to call and what steps to ensure their own safety.”

While the police have praised their quick identification of a potential suspect, the incident remains under investigation and no arrests have been made. Authorities have forwarded the case to the district attorney's office for review, with potential charges to be considered.

Afzal expressed optimism about the current community response. “If we come together and say there is no tolerance for any hate against any group, it'll leave the world a better place,” she reflected, highlighting the rallying cry of unity amidst adversity.

As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that incidents of hate and discrimination against any group call for vigilance and persistent community action. The voices raised in Morgan Hill echo a broader sentiment — a shared commitment to fostering a society where everyone, regardless of their background, can feel safe and respected.