-
Just a note to offer peace, love, and support. I hope no one from your
organization has experienced any negative backlash from non-Arab Americans, but if anyone has, I sincerely apologize for the unconscious behavior of
those who don't appear to know better. Sincerely, S.B., Berkeley, CA
-
Please accept my apology for any hate mail, phone calls, etc. you have
received from any Americans angry about yesterday's tragic events. Such actions dishonor our country and those who perished, or who will perish, as
a result of yesterday's attacks. Many of us are concerned, not just for the victims of the tragedy, but for
Americans and others of Arab descent who may be targets of misplaced retaliation. We will be thinking of you over the next several days as our
nation struggles to deal with this horrible situation. Peace and love be with you... J.W., Emory, VA
- An open letter to Arab-Americans:
Dear Fellow American,
As a Christian pastor, a Gulf War veteran and an American,
I apologize for the threats, the innuendo and the unwarranted attacks that have taken place
since the tragedy of Tuesday 9-11-01. A few small minded and ungodly people have taken
the prejudiced view that all Arabs and all Muslims are to be punished for this
atrocity. They do not realize that many Arab-Americans are as deeply wounded
by this attack, as any other American would be. In fact in some cases even more. Today I heard a Muslim who called the Dennis Prager
show. He was explaining the pain that he was feeling and began to weep. It was then that I
realized that Arab-Americans were not only hurting over the terrorist attack but
the subsequent attacks by fellow Americans. Dear fellow American, this is why I felt it necessary to reach across
racial and religious lines to share my sentiments with you. I know that, unfortunately, you
will be receiving much hate mail; I hope that you receive this letter of support. I pray for your safety and for the safety of Arabs across this nation.
-- Pastor Clay A. Kahler, Campo Baptist Church, Campo CA
- I hope this message finds you safe and well. I have seen what domestic terrorists are doing to my fellow
citizens across the country. I am a "white guy" from Iowa and it is horrifying to think that innocent
Arab-Americans are being attacked in my country. I thought we had moved past the red-scare mentality. I
thought we had grown into a mature and JUST SOCIETY! I just want all the people I can contact to know that
I will stand with my fellow citizens. If someone attacks (verbally or physically) an Arab-American I
will stand tall with the Arab-American against the tyranny of ignorance and fear. If someone is making a
scape-goat of my fellow citizens or innocent foriegn nationals, I will stand up for them. I am proud to
call you brother. I am proud to call you American. I am proud to be a member of all humanity no matter
where they may be. I send this message with all the love and hope I can for all of us. Thank you. Stay
strong. You are not alone. -- S.F.
-
I wanted to thank you for your statement on your website and let you know
that there are many people out here who do not stereotype Arab-Americans and
realize that Arab Americans do not support acts of terrorism like the outrageous actions of recent days. And that Islamic religion is not the
same thing as the misrepresentations of some fanatics. The following messages was posted to a mailing list I belong to and I have been
forwarding it to friends and acquaintances, hoping that more people will follow through with
it's suggestions as I intend to do. Wishing you the
best.
"May I make a small suggestion of support for this very difficult time?
The US Postal Service just put out a stamp (on 9/1/01) sending out EID Greetings to the Arab American community. Were we to use this stamp
over the next few weeks, we would be showing the Arab world that we do not categorize the sane, compassionate teachings of Islam with the
mindless attrocities that have occurred this past Tuesday. This will also show support of our fellow Arab Americans, and that we will not
retaliate in hate crimes against them because of the acts of individuals."
-- R.D., Monroe, NC
- As we all struggle to come to terms with the unimaginable tragedies of Tuesday,
September 11, we would like to express our grief and sympathy to the families
and friends of those who lost their lives or were injured in the attacks. We
also extend our support and sympathy to all Arab/Muslim-Americans who have been
victimized by racism and misdirected rage in the past few days. As you know, our primary goal at Arab Film Distribution has been to make the
Arab point of view available through documentary and narrative films. We have
worked to promote the use film and video as means to foster dialogue and understanding between Arab/Islamic cultures and the United States. Now more
than ever, it is our hope that discussion and knowledge will take the place of
hatred and violence. Thank you for your support. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Sinno and Alex O. Williams
- I don't know how to say this best but that I support you to the fullest. My
already heavy heart is weighed tremendously to hear of Arab-American backlash incidents in the wake of our
country's recent attacks. I wish
there was a stronger more powerful method to share my sentiments and the feelings of my family, friends, church and fellow colleagues.
I am deeply saddened at the message this sends to your communities and
families. It is not the sentiment of everyone, as I am sure you are aware, only a scared ignorant few. My prayers and thoughts are with you and other
Arab-American's who are feeling the pain of this twice. Be proud, know you are a cornerstone of our colorful nation.
With undying love and support to my fellow brothers and sisters.
Warmest Regards, J.C.
- Arab community,
I want to add my voice against the outrageous acts against any of your
people or religious places that you have here in America. I think it is horrible that you are harassed in any way because of your ethnicity or
religious beliefs or because what has recently happened in the U.S. That is
not what America is all about and I hope you know that most non-Arab Americans bear you
no ill feelings. Take care and God bless. E.R.T.
- We wish to tell you that the difficulties in this terrorist attack are not
the fault of the Muslim world at large. We do not hold you responsible. We accept Arab Americans as American as anyone else.
We hope you have less difficulty in the days ahead.
S.H., Rancho High School, Las Vegas, Nevada
- I would like to apologize for the recent events that are happening to your
community. Please do not let the hate of a few angry people let you loose your faith in humanity. Just know that there are people out there that love
you for who you are not what you worship. Take care in these hard times, and
God bless. Heather
- My prayers are with you as well as those lost in the tragedy -- and those who inadvertantly perpetuate the hatred. My family is from Germany, and
during WWII children used to throw rocks at my father and grandfather, store
owners would shun them and dun them, just because they spoke with a Germany accent. There are more victims during times of fear and panic than the
obvious ones. I hope you and yours are well, and continue to be so. C.H.
- Hi- Not sure what type of mail you are receiving--have heard some horrific news.
Please know and pass on to others who would like to hear, that we sincerely hope that you have experienced NO insults, attacks or other negative actions
from other US citizens. We all, whatever ethnic heritage, are shocked and in
pain from the recent events. I pray you never have to endure more than we all have already. Take care. E.H.M.
- I am very sorry... And I wish you all peace and a long life in a free country such as ours. I
am a white person that does not hold any of you accountable for the actions of a few fanatics. I just wish that the rest of America does not get blinded
by anger or fear from this act of terrorism. I feel bad and disgraced for the way some our countrymen have acted toward your religious beliefs and
they are very misunderstood of what your faith is all about. May we all make
through this all alive and well with the help of our faith. R.S., Holmen, Wisconsin
- I am truly sorry for the racism, terrorism, and persecution you are facing
in the wake of the tragedies inflicted upon all of us Americans. Please remember that is only the ignorant, the irrational who plague you now. The
rest of us are with you in spirit and pray for your well-being. I do hope you will forgive us.
J.B., Upstate New York
- I pray that Arab Americans do not become the collateral victims of this tragedy. I pray for all innocent Arab Americans and their families in this
time of crisis. I am one American who understands that Islam is not a violent religion and
it's followers are not violent people. I'm sure you've received many upsetting threatening emails. This is one to let you know
that the backlash against your people (Americans all) is a disgrace to this country. Good luck.
- Greetings,
I write to you to today with a heavy heart. I am Roman Catholic and live in
New Hampshire. I am a teacher of 8th graders and am faced with trying to discuss this terrible event and the evolving story of its aftermath. One
thing which has arisen in my classroom are discussions on Arab Americans and
the incidents of hatred. It has remained a challenge for I have several students whom were directly affected with the loss of loved ones. I had one
girl, who's grandfather who is still missing, come to me after class and ask
me how do we know which Muslims are good and which ones are bad? It brought tears to my eyes as I answered that we share the same problem in all
religions whether it is of the Christian, Jewish or Islamic faith.
With the tragic events which have unfolded over this past week, our nation
and local communities have suffered greatly. I fear however that the Muslim community in this country is sadly being ostracized. With the media
focussing on graphics such as Attack on America and evolving to America United, it is obvious that it isn't inclusive toward Muslim Americans. With
threats and attacks against Muslims all over this country, we indeed are not
united. I apologize on behalf of those whom may have treated your community with contempt. Ignorance and anger prove to be dangerous attributes. Above
all, despite being from different parts of the country and belonging to different faiths, we both are Americans. Together, we both feel the pain of
this tragedy. I thought that it would be prudent and responsible to let you know that I was thinking about you and your community. I wish you strength
in the coming months in the efforts to overcome the ignorance with which you
may face. I have been emailing various Muslim organizations and support you sending this short email to those in your community who are struggling to
feel acceptance. From one teacher in New Hampshire. Respect Seen, One Love, P.B.
- None of the non-Arab Americans and non-Muslim Americans I have spoken to hold our Arab brothers and sisters
responsible for the attack Tuesday. I've traveled a bit and Americans appear
to be better than most when it comes to tolerance. I know there are mindless people an any group and
that their anger will drive them to attack American Arabs. They have happened and they will continue in spite of
the public support for our Arab communities. Even one is too many and offends anyone with a spattering or
religion. While my understanding of the Bible means it is outside my ability to
apologize for the actions of another, I will spend many hours praying that my bothers and sisters both inside and
outside the Arab/Muslim community remain safe. God Bless America. P.R.
- May I suggest that the Palestinian women and families find a way to get before the international media to not only speak against violence and the
terrible attack on the United States, but speak against the small minority of Palestinian men,
women and especially children who were shown on the news dancing and celebrating in the streets after hearing of our tragedy? Arab
Americans will be terrorized themselves due to ignorance and anger of others, americans or other nationalities. My husband is one of the most
wonderful, loving, sensitive and adoring individuals who is completely crushed and devastated over this terrible event, and to hear the anger aimed
towards Arabs or Islam in general is from ignorance and insensitivity. The
media does tend to focus on what sensationalism. It is up to the people to
bring the other story to the forefront. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts.
M.A., Houston
- I appreciated your comments on last Tuesday's tragedy. I am a Canadian, a Christian and, like all people of peace and good will, abhor the tragic
event and the massive loss of innocent lives. It is to be hoped that good sense and tolerance will prevail over rage and
revenge and that hands will be held out to our Arab and Muslim brothers of peace in this time of great anguish for them also.
H.H., Toronto
- Thank you for you understanding statement. When people are hurting and frightened they look for someone to blame.
It is easy to misdirect that anger towards innocent people when the real enemy seems invisible.
The people who attack and intimidate innocent people do not display
American values or Christian values. As Christians we are told to ,"Love your neighbor as yourself."
Fellow Americans are my neighbors. Please have understanding when dealing with those that would harm you.
J.K., Lansing, MI
- I just spent my lunch hour reading on your website. I wish that everyone in the US could or would take the opportunity to do it.
Although I'm just a regular American the Journalist Guide is probably the most informative article I've read in a long time. I wish this could be put
out to all the internet news sources to list on their site so more people could read it. Thank you again for the making me a more informed person.
T.P., Raleigh, NC
- I have taken the time to e-mail Pope John Paul II requesting that he call all
heads of state to the Holy See. At this moment in history, it is my view that The Pontiff is the only
person capable of summoning the human family to come forth with our best. It would require that many
practice statesmanship rather than brinksmanship. In the history of the world that I know, never have
all heads of state been in the same room at one time. I indicated that I was making an "extraordinary
request," to say the least. These are extraordinary times, and represent special opportunities.
Keep up the good work. Regards, C.M., California
- Thank you to all people that are sending these informative messages. It is
a very sad time for all of us - whatever our beliefs. We who love God need to be strong and to trust. The "Islam Gave Mankind an Ideal Code of Human
Rights..." is so very helpful. I celebrate our diversity in our World -
our trees, our insects, our birds, our fish, our animals including people.
God Bless our World, M.B.
- It's sad that some Americans irrationally blame in any way all Muslims and/or
Arab-Americans for the terror attacks on Sept. 11. Most Arab-Americans and Muslims are as horrified and shocked by the attacks as everyone else.
M.G.
- Thank you for providing this informative web site. I found the link on a Yahoo news page. It is so important for people in
America to understand each other; sites like this help. I would also like to
say that it is my intention to defend and protect what I think is greatest about this country...freedom, and liberty, and justice. I intend to do it at
home, in my neighborhood, anywhere I go. If I see any person being attacked or discriminated against, especially now any Muslim person or person who
appears to be of Arab descent, I consider it my moral obligation as an American to stand up for their rights, on the spot. Because they are my
rights too. E.L.
- Thank you for the Fact Sheets on Arab Civilization and 100 Questions. We all
are so deeply saddened by recent events. When teaching opportunities appear,
I'll do my best. J.H.
- Please accept my expression of support for Arab Americans. Some of my countrymen have shamed me, and their country, by their hateful
behavior. I write you because, although I cannot prevent some from raising
their voices in hatred, I want Arab Americans to hear a much louder chorus of voices, raised in solidarity and tolerance, from their
fellow citizens, that may drown out the hatred. Best, N.B.
- Forgive me for not going into many details in my reply. Unfortunately at present time does not permit. But I do want to let you
know I think your article is excellent. I am in agreement with nearly all you say, which in essence means I agree with everything. Futhermore you've reconciled some of the questions I had on the
Middle East mess. Thanks so much and keep up the good work. Yours,
R.K.
- ...please keep up your efforts, the Arab-American community needs a voice
such as yours, I really appreciate your involvment. Thanks, Sincerely, M.E.
- I know that it's a tough time to be an Arab-American, but hang in there. There are MANY of us who are disgusted by the prejudice you are
experiencing. J.J.
- My prayer is that all Nations join to Reverence our Creator. To Honor Him
and show Him Respect. To return the people to that He would have us be globally. To care about each other. To respect each other. To Love One
Another.-- Sherry
- ... I am a high school teacher in Australia. I receive email information from you
because one of my ex-students, who is a Palestinian/Australian, put me on your mailing list. I
am so glad he did. Thank you so much for the very useful and balanced information you have given me which I have put to good
use with my students before and after the crisis in America. My students also thank you for allowing them
to have open minds and to be properly informed. We send you our support and our love. I will continue
to use what you send me to inform myself, my collegues and my students. I hope that the peaceful and
thoughtful voices in the world are heard. Thank you. J.M.
- Hello, I'm a student... and I've heard about the tragical thing that has
happend to you. I wanted to let you know that not all Americans hat
you. I think that it was not your fault. Thank you. B.M.
- I think it is wrong what you guys have to go through becuase of what some
people think. I'm sorry that some of you can't or are scared ot walk
out of the house cause of what some people are doing to other Arabs. I
hope you guys get through this all right. Your friend. M.A.
- YOUR KIND WORDS ARE VERY SINCERE, PLEASE KEEP UP YOUR EFFORTS, THE ARAB-AMERICAN COMMUNITY NEED A VOICE SUCH AS
YOURS, I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR INVOLVEMENT. THANKS, SINCERELY, M.E.