Date: July 21, 2025
The Islamic Center of Southern California Hosts Mural Unveiling with LA vs Hate, MPAC, CAIR-LA, and Community Leaders
LOS ANGELES, CA — On Monday afternoon, the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) proudly welcomed community members, interfaith leaders, elected officials, and artists for the unveiling of a powerful new mural titled “Sabr at Fajr”, created by Palestinian-American artist Saj Issa from MuralColors. The unveiling, held at ICSC- in the heart of Koreatown- was organized in partnership with LA vs Hate and MuralColors, as part of their Signs of Solidarity campaign—a grassroots initiative committed to standing against hate and fostering inclusive community identity through public art.
Rewatch the Full Unveiling Video Here
The mural, whose title translates to “Patience at Dawn,” was developed through the MuralColors Artist Residency Program in deep collaboration with local voices and organizations, including MPAC, LA County Commission on Human Relations, and CAIR -LA. It features a symbolic cactus plant — subbār in Arabic, echoing the root of the word sabr (patience) — standing resilient in a dreamlike landscape that serves as a visual affirmation of strength and resilience.
The project follows an incident in May, when the Islamic Center was defaced with hate-filled graffiti—an act that struck deeply amid a growing climate of Islamophobia and rising hostility toward marginalized communities. This pain echoes far beyond our walls, as families across the world face unimaginable hardship: from the deliberate starvation, to the forced separation of loved ones, to the killing of people simply for who they are or where they come from.
In this moment, the mural is more than art—it is a symbol of mercy, resilience, and hope. It gives voice to the silenced, light to the grieving, and strength to the weary. Islam was never sent to serve a single nation or people—it came as a mercy to all of humanity.
This mural stands as a public prayer for justice, a symbol of healing, and a declaration that even in the face of hate, we will respond with beauty, unity, and unwavering love for our neighbors.
“As one of the oldest Muslim institutions in Los Angeles, the Islamic Center has always stood for spiritual growth, interfaith collaboration, and the protection of all people’s dignity,” said Dr. Nasser Karam, Board Chair of the ICSC. “The unveiling of this mural is more than a celebration of art—it’s a testament to the endurance of our community and the strength we find in solidarity.” In a statement to the media, ICSC spokesperson Omar Ricci emphasized the mural’s message of resilience and compassion and shared how “One of the essential teachings of Islam is that when we encounter hate, we respond with something better. This mural is a reflection of that principle in action.”
The unveiling event was attended by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (Second District), Robin Toma- emcee and co-organizer (Executive Director, LA County Commission on Human Relations), Salam Al-Marayati (President, MPAC), Dina Chehata (Civil Rights Managing Attorney, CAIR-LA), and other civic and faith leaders who stood united in condemning hate and affirming the values of belonging and justice.
“What happened here in May was an act of hate—but what’s happening here today is an act of love, resilience, and unity,” said Supervisor Mitchell. “This mural reflects the spirit of the Signs of Solidarity campaign—making visible our shared values and standing against hate through beauty and collective action.”
Artist Saj Issa described the work as an “embodiment of survival and spiritual rootedness,” and emphasized the role of art in uplifting stories that too often go unseen.
The event featured live music, cultural cuisine, family-friendly art activities, and the distribution of Signs of Solidarity posters and yard signs that attendees took home to display in their neighborhoods—visibly expressing support for inclusion and diversity across Los Angeles.
The mural marks the latest installment of LA vs Hate’s Signs of Solidarity campaign, which was launched earlier this year in response to the sharp rise in hate crimes across LA County—up 45% according to the 2023 Hate Crime Report. By reclaiming public space through creative expression, the campaign seeks to transform communities with messages of connection, resistance, and healing.
“The Muslim community is a vital part of Los Angeles,” said Salam Al-Marayati, President of MPAC. “This mural affirms that in the face of hate, we will respond with dignity, beauty, and unwavering resolve to benefit all humanity.”
“This mural is more than paint on a wall,” added CAIR-LA’s Dina Chehata. “It is a declaration of presence and a commitment to unity, made visible for all to see.” [Read More]
Rewatch the livestream of the event Here.
About LA vs Hate
LA vs Hate is a community-centered program led by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations. It offers free, confidential support for victims and witnesses of hate, and drives public education and arts-based campaigns to prevent hate and uplift belonging. To report an incident or request support, visit www.LAvsHate.org or call 2-1-1.
