LOS ANGELES — A new mural celebrating resilience and cultural identity will be unveiled at the Islamic Center of Southern California on July 21, just weeks after the mosque was targeted with hate-motivated graffiti.
The artwork, titled “Sabr at Fajr” by artist Saj Issa, explores themes of patience and perseverance through imagery of the symbolic Sabr plant taking root in a landscape that connects Los Angeles to the Middle East. The mural was funded through Los Angeles County’s Commission on Human Relations’ Measure B fund and MuralColors’ Artist Residency Program.
“This mural represents our community’s strength in the face of hatred,” said Salam Al-Marayati, president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, one of the partnering organizations.
The unveiling comes as part of LA vs Hate’s broader initiative to combat bias through public art and community engagement. The program partners with diverse organizations to address hate and division through culture and dialogue.
Police launched a hate crime investigation in May after the mosque was vandalized with graffiti on the exterior and on nearby trees, according to a statement.
Community members provided hundreds of responses during the mural’s development process, ensuring the artwork reflects the diverse Muslim population across Los Angeles County. The project builds on the success of the 2023 Summer of Solidarity mural series and aligns with the county’s efforts to increase hate reporting, reduce bias and support affected communities.
The July 21 event will feature live music, free food and family-friendly activities from 2:30-4 p.m. at the Islamic Center, at 434 S. Vermont Ave. Attendees can also collect free yard signs and posters as part of the “Signs of Solidarity” campaign to display symbols of neighborhood pride and unity against hate.
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell will join other speakers including Robin Toma, executive director of the LA County Commission on Human Relations, and Dina Chehata, civil rights managing attorney for CAIR-LA. Dr. Nasser Karam, board chair of the Islamic Center of Southern California, will also participate in the program.
The mural unveiling represents a swift community response to the recent hate incident, demonstrating how art can transform spaces targeted by bias into symbols of solidarity and strength, officials say.
