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Chicago Community Receives Threats, Intimidation
By Ayub Khan
CHICAGO, Sept 11 (IslamOnline) - Even before culprits of the horrible act in New York have been identified, fingers are already being raised at Muslims.
All Chicago area Muslim schools have been shut down after receiving threatening phone calls.
An Arab-American youth was attacked outside a community center, two people barged into the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview Illinois and abuses have been hurled against taxi drivers sporting beards and in Islamic dress. Fortunately, no one has been seriously injured in any of these attacks.
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, based in Bridgeview, denounced the attacks in a news release.
The Council "joins fellow Americans and the rest of the world in grieved shock and mourning over the senseless and tragic loss of innocent life and peace brought about by the destruction of the World Trade Center towers, as well as all related acts of violence across the nation," the release said.
The group also cautioned the media to be careful when reporting the tragic events, the release said.
"We fear that scores of innocent Muslims can be easily targeted for emotional, retaliatory actions by distraught, angered, and over-zealous individuals or groups incited by incendiary comments and premature conclusions drawn by biased and ill-informed commentators," the release said.
The Council sent their prayers to the families of the victims, the release said.
"Again, the Council and the Muslims of Chicago denounce these barbaric acts of violence, pray sincerely for the affected victims and their families, and demand that the true perpetrators be swiftly and justly bought to justice," the release said.
The United Muslim Americans Association and the Islamic Association of Palestine called a joint news conference to condemn the terrorist attacks Tuesday afternoon.
A news release authored by the two groups, states, "We believe that there could be no just justification for committing such evil acts. We extend our condolences on behalf of the Muslim community to the families of all victims.
The statement continues, "We call upon our officials, security agencies, and media not to rush to judgment and start accusing Muslims, Arabs or Palestinians. Our community should not be collectively punished, discriminated against, or stereotyped for any crazy and terrorist acts."
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