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News :: Miscellaneous |
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Violence and Support for Arab Americans |
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by Pauline Bartolone
Email: alice_Redqueen (nospam) hotmail.com (unverified!)
Address: URbana, IL |
13 Sep 2001
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The following is a headline for Free Speech Radio News on September 13th regarding support and violence that the Arab Amercian Community is experiencing in Illinois this week. |
In the state of Illinois, the Arab American Action Network reports that attacks and harassment continues to rise against the Muslim community in the Chicago Area.
Some 350 demonstrators waving American flags and chanting " USA! USA!" were turned back by police before reaching a Muslim mosque in the suburb of Bridgeview yesterday. Three marchers were arrested and no injuries were reported.
In the city of Chicago a man was arrested after attacking an Arab American gas station attendant with a 2 foot long machete. The attendant suffered wounds to his arms.
A Muslim school in Chicago was firebombed early yesterday morning, however after entering the building, the bomb did not cause damage or injuries . Two more Muslim schools in the Chicago suburbs received bomb threats and remain closed today.
Violence to the Arab American community in Illinois has also been met with support. A press conference was held by at least 10 organizations in Chicago in solidarity with Arab Americans.
Jewish, Arab and Christian groups held a prayer vigil near the federal buildings in Downtown Chicago. Another vigil in Chicago is planned for this Saturday to rally for peace.
In Urbana-Champaign, Over 100 people met at the Independent Media center to propose and strategize non-violent responses to this week's events. Strong sentiments were expressed against the engagement in more violence by the US, which many believe will only escalate the situation and encourage more violence to be inflicted on US citizens and the world. |
