As United States and its allies
engage in war with Iraq, Arab-Americans, others of Middle Eastern origin, Muslims,
and those persons who are perceived to be Arab-American or Muslim, may become
the targets of acts of hate. We resist such actions by building community before
they happen. Should acts of hate occur, people of faith can respond in a variety
of ways.
- Speak out. Silence implies consent.
- Help meet the physical needs of those targeted by hate.
For example, help clean up following an act of violence.
- Reach out to those who are targeted by hate. Visit them.
Extend caring gestures. Do so immediately and over the long
term.
- Find ways to stand together as a community. Hold a rally.
Create a community symbol.
- Involve others - create a holistic response that involves
neighbors, faith communities, schools, labor unions, the media,
law enforcement - everyone!!
- Identify and report hate that is directed at targeted individuals/groups
or those who are perceived to come from targeted groups.
- Learn more about targeted individuals and groups. Learn
from targeted individuals and groups.
- Worship with targeted communities if you are a person of
faith and it is appropriate.
- Make a personal connection with a person/family from a
targeted group.
- Join organizations working for justice for all and to build
a community where all are welcome.
- Contact public institutions and officials to encourage
their continuing support for individuals and groups targeted
by hate.
- Monitor the development of new public policies and how
existing policies are being implemented. They too can target
groups unjustly. In pursuit of the guilty who may have blended
into a given population, it is important to distinguish and
protect the innocent. Be mindful of this tension.
This list was adapted from work done by the
St. Louis chapter of the National Conference of Community and
Justice in partnership with the St. Louis chapters of the Anti-Defamation
League, The International Institute, and The Urban League and
from the work of Ann Van Dyke, Assistant to the Director of
Education and Community Services, Human Relations Commission,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Groups Monitoring Hate Crimes
As well as government agencies, the following groups are among
those who monitor hate groups and/or hate crimes:
Southern Poverty Law Center
400 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
(334) 956-8200
http://www.splcenter.org
Anti Defamation League
The ADL is organized on a regional basis. Find the office for
your region in your telephone directory or contact the Washington,
D.C. office at
(202) 452-8320
email: washington-dc@adl.org
http://www.adl.org
The Council on American-Islamic Relations
453 New Jersey Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003-4034
202/488-8787
http://www.cair-net.org
American Arab Anti Discrimination Committee
4201 Connecticut Ave, N.W Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20008, USA
(202) 244-2990
http://www.adc.org
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