March 18, 2003
Source: Reuters
On March 18, 2003 Reuters reported that "hate crimes against Arab-Americans have increased in the run-up to a possible war with Iraq, said a group that has begun distributing to Muslim communities across the country safety lists that include tips on how to deal with bomb threats... Among other incidents, projectiles were shot at a mosque in Chicago, shattering a window while people were praying, and a Muslim father and his sons were attacked in New Jersey by people who shouted, 'go home terrorist...' The FBI (news - web sites) last week warned U.S. law enforcement officials that hate crimes against Arab-Americans could increase if the U.S. went to war with Iraq or if there was another attack on the United States."