Citizens Act Locally to Support Muslim Neighbors

September 13, 2001

Source: The Kansas City Star

On September 13, 2001, The Kansas City Star reported that "Kansas Citians of many races and religions are reaching out to area Muslims, offering support in response to backlashes that began after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon." Following a series of threats reported by local media, the Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City has since received phone calls from people who wish to apologize for the intolerance of others and to offer their support. Many of these callers were from area churches. The article noted, "The local chapter of the National Conference for Community and Justice, formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews, released a statement that read in part: 'As a community committed to inclusion and the rule of law, we must fight those bigots who wish to target members of the Arab or Muslim communities, simply for being Arab or Muslim,' said Juan M. Rangel, executive director. 'We must not let racists exploit our fear and rage, or allow silence to empower their intolerance.'"