Nadine Osman
A Stanford University student was hospitalised following a hit-and-run incident that is being investigated as a possible anti-Muslim hate crime, said a spokesman for the California-based university.
Abdulwahab Omira, who is of Syrian heritage, suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by a black SUV on November 3.
The driver was described as a white male in his mid-20s with “dirty-blond” hair and a short beard. He was wearing a grey shirt and round-framed glasses.
According to the university’s department of public safety, the driver “made eye contact” with Omira before accelerating and striking him; he then drove away while shouting ‘f*** you and your people’ from the lowered window of the vehicle.”
The incident occurred in the backdrop of a rise in both Islamophobia and antisemitism in the US since the breakout of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, with the White House voicing concern about a rise in hate speech and acts.
In a statement from a hospital in California, reported by NBC, Omira said the “emotional scars” of the attack would last, and he called on others to denounce hatred and celebrate diversity.
“I implore everyone reading this: let us collectively denounce hatred, bigotry, and violence. Let us take the time to understand one another, to celebrate our diversity, and to stand united against the forces that seek to divide us. There is immense power in love and understanding, enough to overshadow the darkness of hatred,” he said.
In a joint statement, Stanford’s president, Richard Saller, and the provost, Jenny Martinez, said, “Violence on our campus is unacceptable.
Hate-based violence is morally reprehensible, and we condemn it in the strongest terms. We want to express our deep concern for the student who was injured and for all affected by this incident.”
The incident is being investigated.
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