Arab, Muslim Americans on Alert as U.S. Rebounds from 'Act of War' Communities At Unease as References to Pearl Harbor Are Made

By YUKIYA JERRY WAKI
Published Thursday, September 13, 2001 Niichi Be Times

A headline on Time.com reads: "A Day That Will Live in Infamy." An op-ed piece in the New York Times is titled "A New Day of Infamy." Then news of a recent CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll found nearly 86 percent of the respondents saying the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. Tuesday morning was an act of war.

Also, reports speculate that Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden may be linked to the devastation that has claimed the lives of thousands of Americans.

The recent breach of security has put the Arab and Muslim American communities across the U.S. on alert - at the same time numerous organizations have adamantly condemned the attack and offered condolences to the families of those who were killed or injured.

A statement released by the American Muslim Political Coordination Council said: "American Muslims utterly condemn what are apparently vicious and cowardly acts of terrorism against innocent civilians. We join with all Americans in calling for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators. No political cause could ever be assisted by such immoral acts."

An estimated seven million Muslims call the U.S. home, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations. The prominent Washington, D.C.-based Islamic advocacy group also called on Muslims nationwide to offer any type of assistance to the victims of Tuesday's attacks on New York and Washington.

CAIR added that reports of harassment and attacks have been made against Muslims who have worn Islamic attire, and steps have been taken to increase security around mosques and Islamic centers.

"This is a direct attack on all Americans," Helal Omeira told the San Jose Mercury News. Omeira is the executive director of the Northern California chapter of the CAIR in Santa Clara.

"I'm completely appalled and nauseated that anyone would do this in my country," he said. "Our first and foremost thoughts go out to the victims. There is no foundation in any religion, in Islam in particular, that would support such a horrific act against innocent civilians."

Nidal Ibrahim, editor of Arab-American Business magazine, urges the public to recognize that the terrorist acts are unrepresentative of Islam and the broader Muslim community.

"It is imperative that Americans in general be restrained and recognize that most Muslim Americans are as eager to see these cowards brought to justice as they are," said Ibrahim, in a Pacific News Service commentary. "It is also incumbent upon Arab and Muslim Americans to speak out against such actions, which some of our leaders are doing."

San Jose resident Fatima Ali fears a backlash against Muslims in light of the attack. "We already get judged," said Ali. "We've been called baby killers, terrorists, traitors. This will probably make things worse."

San Francisco Islamic Society President Souleiman Ghali told the San Francisco Chronicle that he received threatening phone calls and insisted on the reporter not to publish his mosque's location.

"You can feel it in the air," said Ghali. "All the Arabs and Muslims in this country are beginning to feel suspect - no matter how loyal they are."