Hate messages left for Malverne Muslim family

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A Muslim family residing in Malverne found two hate messages in their mailbox on July 24, Nassau County Police reported.

The victims, who reside on Norwood Avenue, said that one note, written in red ink, stated, "KKK Hate Muslims. We will kill you. Jesus loves you." along with the image of a swastika.

The other message, written on a small paper plate, stated, “The KKK is coming for you Muslims”.

The homeowner, who declined to be identified, said she was in shock when she took them out of her mailbox. "Never have I come across anything that was remotely racist here," she said.

According to statistics cited by Nassau County Police Public Information Officer Vincent Garcia during a July 25 press conference, bias incidents in Nassau County are on the rise. From January through June 2016, 21 bias incidents were reported to the police. During the same period in 2017, 29 incidents were reported.

The homeowner said she discovered the two notes after returning home from work. "I thought it was the landscaper leaving a message for me, and then I saw it," she said. Soon after, she contacted the Malverne Police. Due to the nature of the offense, the Nassau County Police Department became involved.

The homeowner's family includes a 19-year old honor student at Adelphi University and a 16-year old who attends a private high school.

The family have been residents of Malverne for 20 years. "We're very close to our neighbors," said the homeowner. "I consider a lot of my neighbors to be my family."

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

"Please let that family know that the overwhelming majority of people in our community are disheartened and sick by the hatred inflicted on them," said Joseph Varone of West Hempstead."Good and decent people welcome all people regardless of religion, nationality or color. We stand with this family!"