I figured I'd be preaching to the choir if I posted this on Mudcat. On Thursday I posted this message to most of the people I know who are in my email address book: ---

http://www.infobeat.com/articles/news_head_3_91401.html

Arabs under Siege in US

Members of local Muslim communities held their breath yesterday as New York's boiling temper exploded following the devastating terrorist attacks that left thousands dead.

From Brooklyn to Long Island, there were confrontations, acts of vandalism and catcalling directed at Muslims. Police stood guard outside local mosques and there was an increased presence in heavily Muslim neighborhoods.

Along Brooklyn's Atlantic Avenue - home to a substantial Arab community - a nasty edge tinged the air. One woman expressed disgust that so many stores in the neighborhood were open.

"Go back to your own f---ing country," yelled Stephanie Jankowitz at the Arab owner of a barber shop.

"You're open today? How can you be open today?" she said to the proprietor, who only smiled back.

Afterward, Jankowitz - who lives in Brooklyn - said she was furious with all Arab-Americans because of the attack.

"I'm so angry, those people should go back to their own country," she said. "They're living off the wealth of this country. All those shops should be closed.

"Let just let one of them smile at me today. I'll spit in their face."

That sentiment was shared by others. A Post reporter witnessed two men driving a car with a sign taped to the rear window that said: "Kill all Palestinians."

Many Muslim residents refused to comment on the tragedy and the bustling neighborhood was significantly quieter that usual yesterday.

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Hate and violence breeds hate and violence. Friendship, understanding, and tolerance breed peace.

I'm going to my local Afghani restaurant for lunch.

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I got a reply right away from a friend who wanted to go with me. She and her sister picked me up. We had a delicious meal, friendly service, and felt we were really doing something to combat prejudice.

My brother and his family followed suit that evening. He wrote that "the poor souls had American flags and 'God Bless America' sickers all over the place."