Islam

American Sikhs Face Threats and Violence

September 16, 2001

Source: Newsday

On September 16, 2001, Newsday reported that "A 66-year-old man from India, who follows the Sikh religion and wears a turban, was beaten Tuesday by men who mistook him for an Arab and blamed him for Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the man and his relatives say. 'They were abusing him and shouting at him, that he was Arabic and Muslim,' said Attinder Jeet Singh, 40, the man's son. Attar Singh, the victim, and his family are Sikhs from India. Sikh men wear turbans and beards. Many people assume they are Muslims. They are...

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Editorials Regarding the Backlash, Scapegoating: Immediate Responses (Sept 13-16)

September 16, 2001

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On September 16, 2001, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution published a series of letters to the editor under the heading "Americans Express Unity." One letter stated: "We Christians and Jews have more in common with our Muslim brothers and sisters than we have differences. I pray that we remember we are believers in the same God and are all children of Abraham. As we hear of more news reports of the possible involvement of radical Islamic terrorists, please remember that these are in the minority. Pray for all...

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In the Aftermath: Reaching Out, Offering Assistance and Correcting Misconceptions

September 16, 2001

Source: Newsday

On September 16, 2001, Newsday reported on the volunteer efforts of American Sikhs and Muslims: "It was an offer of camaraderie, born of patriotism to the United States and increasing fear of fellow Americans. A stream of at least 20 yellow cabs driven by Arab-American and Sikh taxi drivers lined up along Lexington Avenue near 26th Street yesterday, with the drivers offering free cab rides to the throngs of grief-stricken people who gathered at the Armory to report people missing and feared dead at the World Trade Center. American flags...

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The Murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi

September 16, 2001

Source: Los Angeles Times

On September 16, 2001, The Los Angeles Times reported that in Mesa, Arizona, "A gunman fatally shot the Sikh Indian owner of a convenience store Saturday and sprayed bullets at two other locations in the span of a few minutes, authorities said. Mesa police are investigating the shootings as possible hate crimes because the [other] targets may have been Muslims, said Mesa police Sgt. Mike Goulet."

Editorials Regarding the Backlash, Scapegoating: Immediate Responses (Sept 13-16)

September 16, 2001

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

On September 16, 2001, The St. Louis Post Dispatch ran the editorial "Harassment of Sikhs tells us now is time to unite." Greg Freeman wrote, "Harprit S. Puri is an American. ...Puri, who is originally from India, is a member of the Sikh religion. The religion requires its members not to cut their hair. As a result, the men typically wear turbans and beards; the women wear their hair very long. Because of this, the Puris - and other Sikhs in St. Louis - have been verbally attacked in the aftermath of Tuesday's acts of...

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Increasing Intolerance in US

September 16, 2001

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On September 16, 2001, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published the article, "As we retaliate, can we tell friend from foe?" This piece asks, "The United States is at war against terrorism. But who is the enemy? An equally important question, in light of mounting indiscriminate attacks on Arabs, Muslims and even Sikhs in this country, is: Who is not?" The article continues by placing the radical Islamists within the context of global Islam. The article also provides basic information about Islam as well as Sikhism, and...

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Editorials Regarding the Backlash, Scapegoating: Immediate Responses (Sept 13-16)

September 15, 2001

Source: The Boston Herald

On September 15, 2001, The Boston Herald published the editorial "Aftermath shouldn't include stereotyping ethnic minorities" by Sarbpreet Singh. The author noted, "Sikh organizations all over America have been unequivocal in their condemnation of the heinous acts of terror that were unleashed on this country. We are devastated by the loss of life and share in the sorrow and suffering of our countrymen. We have embraced the American way of life and the ideals that represent America with great enthusiasm and energy. We do not...

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Anti-Bigotry Resolution Passes U.S. House

September 15, 2001

Source: Office of Congressman David Bonior

On September 15, 2001, Congressman David Bonior's office issued a press release regarding the House Concurrent Resolution 227, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Bonoir noted, "Terrorism attempts to divide us; we must not let this happen. We cannot allow our anger to drive us to bigotry or intolerance. Americans of all faiths – Christians, Muslims and Jews – denounce these terrorist attacks." The press release continued: "Bonior’s resolution, H. Con. Res. 227, which was co-...

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Editorials Regarding the Backlash, Scapegoating: Immediate Responses (Sept 13-16)

September 15, 2001

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On September 15, 2001, The San Francisco Chronicle ran the editorial "Scapegoating our own." This editorial noted, "America's reaction to this week's terrorist attacks was wrapped in grief, anger and determination. One aspect it must not include is any scapegoating of loyal Arab Americans and Muslims living in this country. Already the country has felt this ignorant rage on the rise. Shattered windows of Middle Eastern businesses, hate messages on the Internet and vandalism of mosques are examples across the nation. There...

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National Day of Prayer and Remembrance

September 15, 2001

Source: The Oregonian

On September 15, 2001, The Oregonian reported on local observance of the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance in the article, "Oregonians find comfort, strength in many faiths." The article noted, "In Oregon's largest gathering, about 3,000 people gathered at the Rose Quarter Commons for a multifaith service. Firefighters in uniform stood with Muslim women wearing hijab, Zen students, people waving large flags and throngs of metro-area residents to hear messages of healing."

Citizens Act Locally to Support Muslim Neighbors

September 15, 2001

Source: The Salt Lake Tribune

On September 15, 2001, The Salt Lake Tribune reported, "Police in Utah say they remain vigilant and will crack down on hate-inspired crime following an arson fire at a Pakistani family's restaurant and a handful of reported threats against Muslims in the state." A suspect who claimed the act was retribution for terror attacks is in custody and the fire is being investigated as a hate crime. In support of the owners, the article reported, "Utahns poured into his restaurant, offering words of sorrow and solidarity." The...

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Editorials Regarding the Backlash, Scapegoating: Immediate Responses (Sept 13-16)

September 14, 2001

Source: Newday

On September 14, 2001, Newsday published an editorial entitled, "We Muslims Also Grieve." It said, in part: "The horror is unspeakable. Like every American, I am paralyzed by the carnage on the news, on our streets. My head pounds thinking of the grief engulfing thousands of families whose loved ones were killed or injured Tuesday. When I close my eyes, I see bodies tumbling from the windows of skyscrapers. Like every American, I am outraged. And I want justice. But perhaps unlike many other Americans, I'm feeling something else, too. A...

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Religious Communities and Advocacy Organizations Issue Statements Regarding Backlash, Scapegoating

September 14, 2001

Source: ACLU

http://www.aclu.org/news/2001/n091401a.html

On September 14, 2001, The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a statement "urging tolerance and respect for everyone in America in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington and urged police officials across the country to respond quickly to reports of violence or threats against all people. 'We are deeply disturbed about the increasing reports of violence and threats against Muslims, Arab...

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