Clinton Rips Vandal of Islamic Sculpture

President Clinton condemned the vandalism of an Islamic symbol displayed near the White House for the holidays, calling it “the embodiment of intolerance.” “It is especially hurtful that such an act would occur at a time when so many communities are coming together to celebrate their respective religions,” Clinton said in a statement. Vandals spray-painted a red swastika on an Islamic star displayed at the national Christmas tree site near the White House. The orange star, along with a crescent, was sculpted by Arlington, Va., artist Mohamed Said Quafi. This was the first year an Islamic symbol was displayed alongside Christian and Jewish symbols on the Ellipse, a grassy area between the White House and the Washington Monument.