Interfaith

Americans of All Faiths Seek Solace, Understanding After Terror Attacks

September 17, 2001

Source: The Washington Post

On September 17, 2001, The Washington Post reported that "On the first Sunday after last week's devastating terrorist attacks, preachers told standing room-only crowds that God had no hand in the nation's horrendous loss. Their sermons stressed that punishment -- not revenge -- is appropriate, and many cautioned against making any ethnic or religious group the scapegoat. 'We must remember that evil does not wear a turban, a tunic, a yarmulke or a cross. Evil wears the garment of a human heart, a garment woven from the threads of...

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Increasing Intolerance in US

September 17, 2001

Source: CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/09/16/gen.hate.crimes/index.html

On September 17, 2001, CNN reported that "Reports of hate crimes against Muslims and southeast Asians have risen exponentially across the U.S. in the wake of Tuesday's terror attacks." These attacks included some 300 reported attacks against Muslims; the firebombing of a Hindu temple in Matawan, New Jersey; and over 100 attacks against Sikhs, including an Arizona murder that may have been a hate...

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The Murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi

September 17, 2001

Source: The Arizona Republic

http://www.arizonarepublic.com/news/articles/0917attacks-hate17.html

On September 17, 2001, The Arizona Republic reported that "Hundreds of people across the Valley on Sunday mourned the slaying in Mesa of a Sikh gas station owner whose only crime, his loved ones say, was that he looked Arabic and wore a turban." The article continued, "Throughout the weekend, hundreds of Valley residents visited the makeshift shrine set up...

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Americans of All Faiths Seek Solace, Understanding After Terror Attacks

September 17, 2001

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On September 17, 2001, The San Francisco Chronicle reported that "Throngs of people turned up at houses of worship in the Bay Area and across the nation yesterday for services that focused on last week's terror attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and western Pennsylvania. Churches were jammed with the kind of attendance that is usually only seen on Easter or Christmas. ...At Glide United Methodist Church in San Francisco's Tenderloin, the rafters shook during two full-house services. Scores of people were turned away...

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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 rush of volunteers to assist after the terrorist attacks. "The outpouring showed New York to be the immigrant town it has always been. Noha Abdelghany, 16, and her cousin, Galia Ahmed, 15, came in from the Bronx, and helped the Salvation Army hand out sandwiches, fruit and cookies to the other volunteers. The girls, who are Egyptian Muslims who wore traditional head coverings, said they wanted to dispel anti-Muslim stereotypes held by some Americans. Abdelghany's best friend's father, who is...

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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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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."

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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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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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: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

On September 14, 2001, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch published an editorial on "Misguided patriots" which read, in part: "Within hours of the terrorist attack, bomb threats had been made against a mosque in west St. Louis County. Taunts and cruel jokes were being directed at Muslim high school students. Threats and curses were hurled at Arab-Americans -- even at Sikhs, people from India who practice a completely different religion. Elsewhere, bullets shattered windows in a Texas mosque. Beatings and violence were reported in...

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