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Backlash threats, hate calls target Muslims
Some report slurs, but Seattle has no major incidents
Thursday, September 13, 2001
By PHUONG CAT LE
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
The vandalized sign in front of his Lynnwood mosque left the Muslim leader shaken Wednesday.
Someone had splattered black paint on both sides of a white and green sign outside Dar Al-Arqam Tuesday morning, where more than 150 Muslims pray.
A day after terrorist attacks rocked the nation, Arab Americans and Muslims across the state and nation reported vandalism, hate calls and threats directed at them.
"Whoever knows Islam or understands Islam knows (Tuesday's attack) is a basic violation of Islam," said Nasser, who asked his last name not be used for fear of reprisals.
"We are Americans like you, worrying about the welfare of our country," he said.
Bullets shattered the windows of the Islamic Center of Irving, Texas, while windows at mosques in San Francisco and Carollton, Texas, were also smashed. No injuries were reported.
Mindful of the potential backlash, no one showed up for afternoon prayers at the Islamic Center of Spokane. And the Islamic School of Seattle remained closed for the week.
At McNeil Island Corrections Center, television reports of the terrorist attacks led to a brawl Tuesday between two inmates that left one man in critical condition.
One inmate made obnoxious comments about Muslims, and the other inmate, a Muslim, tossed him to the cement floor, according to Pierce County sheriff's spokesman Dave Hall.
No major incidents were reported in Seattle, police said.
But mosques such as the Islamic Center of Tacoma continued to receive hate messages and anti-Muslim slurs.
Leaders stepped up security at those worship sites, posting 24-hour guards or asking for police backup.
"If the cops leave our parking lot, I think we're going to have problems," said Mohmmad Aalkhlny, leader of the Islamic Center of Tacoma. "I think we have to pray to the Lord and be patient. No religion says to do violence and kill."
While anti-Muslim and anti-Arab slurs flooded Internet chatrooms and talk shows, political, religious and civic leaders urged restraint and tolerance.
Nasser said he was heartened by the outpouring of positive calls his Lynnwood mosque received.
At the Idriss Mosque in Northgate Wednesday afternoon, a woman left a card and flower at the front doors of the region's oldest mosque
"A lot of people in the Muslim community feel threatened," said the woman who asked not to be identified. She said she wanted to show her support.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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