Increased Security in Response to Muslim Fears of Backlash

September 12, 2001

Source: Los Angeles Times

On September 12, 2001, The Los Angeles Times reported that, "From Washington to Los Angeles, Muslim leaders quickly mobilized to put out the word that they stood united with other Americans. At the same time, Muslim parochial schools were being closed, Islamic centers and mosques were being shuttered, and Muslim workers were staying off the job out of fear that they would be targeted amid an upturn in e-mail and telephone threats." Mosques and Islamic Schools throughout Southern California will increase security in response to a large increase in threats. The president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, John Fishel, "cautioned against blaming any group for Tuesday's acts... 'All Americans, regardless of faith, have to condemn what has happened, and we don't scapegoat anyone for what has occurred.'"