The Unveiling of "Sabr at Fajr" with LA vs Hate, MPAC, CAIR-LA, Officials and Community Leaders
more details enclosed.
July 21, 2025
Islamic Center of Southern California Hosts Mural Unveiling to Celebrate Communal Resilience and Solidarity
LOS ANGELES, CAOn Monday afternoon, theIslamic 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 byPalestinian-American artist Saj Issa from MuralColors. The unveiling, held at ICSC- in the heart of Koreatown- was organized in partnership withLA vs HateandMuralColors, as part of their_Signs of Solidarity_campaigna grassroots initiative committed to standing against hate and fostering inclusive community identity through public art.
The mural, whose title translates to Patience at Dawn, was developed through theMuralColors Artist Residency Programin deep collaboration with local voices and organizations includingMPAC,LA County Commission on Human Relations,andCAIR -LA. It features a symbolic cactus plant subbr 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 graffitian 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 artit is an offering 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 peopleit 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 peoples dignity, saidDr. Nasser Karam, Board Chair of the ICSC. The unveiling of this mural is more than a celebration of artits a testament to the endurance of our community and the strength we find in solidarity." In astatement to the media,ICSC spokesperson Omar Ricciemphasized the murals 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 bySupervisor 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 community, 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 hatebut whats happening here today is an act of love, resilience, and unity, saidSupervisor Mitchell. This mural reflects the spirit of the_Signs of Solidarity_campaignmaking visible our shared values and standing against hate through beauty and collective action.
Artist Saj Issadescribed 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 neighborhoodsvisibly expressing support for inclusion and diversity across Los Angeles.
The mural marks the latest installment ofLA vs Hates_Signs of Solidarity_campaign, which was launched earlier this year in response to the sharp rise in hate crimes across LA Countyup 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, saidSalam 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, addedCAIR-LAs Dina Chehata. It is a declaration of presence and a commitment to unity, made visible for all to see. [Read More]
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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, visitwww.LAvsHate.orgor call 2-1-1.
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