Letter sent to mosque claims Trump will 'do to Muslims what Hitler did to Jews'

Same letter sent to various mosques last week in California

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – A handwritten letter sent to the Masjid Miami Gardens mosque this week called Muslims the "children of Satan," and warned that President-elect Donald Trump will eventually do to Muslims what Adolf "Hitler did to the Jews."

"You Muslims are a vile and filthy people," the letter stated. "Your mothers are whores and your fathers are dogs. You are evil. You worship the devil. But your day of reckoning has arrived."

The letter goes on to warn that there is a "new sheriff in town," referencing Trump.

"He's going to cleanse America and make it shine again," the letter stated. "And he's going to start with you Muslims. He's going to do to you Muslims what Hitler did to the Jews. You Muslims would be wise to pack your bags and get out of Dodge."

The letter ends by saying that it is a "great time for patriotic Americans."

"Long live President Trump and God bless the U.S.A.," the letter said.

The letter was signed, "Americans for a Better Way."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations said that the same handwritten letter, which was photocopied, was sent to various mosques last week in California and Georgi last week.

Authorities in California told the LA Times that the letters aren't hate crimes, but detectives are still searching for the author or authors behind the letter.

Local leaders said they have also notified law enforcement authorities about the letter.

"We advise our congregation to be mindful of the fact that there are some bigots out there that are sick -- sick minds," Mohammad Shakir, director of the Asian-American Advisory Board, said.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there were nearly 900 reports of harassment and intimidation from across the country in the 10 days following the election.

"It is hurtful. It is very un-American," Shakir said. "It's unfortunate that people still have to think about it like that. I have lived in the U.S. for 47 years. I'm a veteran. I'm a peace activist. I've been gainfully employed all my life. Tomorrow, I'm going to retire. Should I go home? Where is home?"

Rabbis across South Florida reached out to the Muslim community in response to the letter and expressed their solidarity. 

"I wanted to reach out as an American and as a rabbi to express my shock and disgust that your faith community has been subjected to such heinous expressions of bigotry and hate," Rabbi Yosef Weinstock said in a letter to Shabbir Motorwala, a member of the Coalition of South Florida Muslim Organizations. "It is upsetting that in an era that is known for the vast amounts of information available to everyone by means of the internet, there is still so much ignorance. And ignorance breeds hate." 

Rabbi Mark Kula echoed that message. 

"I feel horrible about this and condemn this action.  As human beings we are brothers and sisters, all created in the image of God," he wrote to Motorwala. "I pray that all people will be peaceful and loving of their fellow human being. Shalom to all." 


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.