Source: The Interfaith Alliance Press Release

On September 12, 2001, the Interfaith Alliance issued a statement which read, in part: "While these cowardly terrorists have stolen the lives of many innocent people, we must not allow them to rip apart our souls, alter our historic commitment to freedom and break our spirits. Even though the great religious traditions of in our nation differ significantly, they do share a set of core values. Let us face into our fears, holding fast to those values. Such a posture will prevent the kind of dangerous stereotyping...

Source: The New York Times

On September 12, 2001, The New York Times reported on the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on America. "In the face of suspicion and discrimination, Muslims struggled to assert their identities as loyal American citizens and to say that their religion does not approve of violence against innocents. Jews, meanwhile, could not help linking the victimization of Americans to that of Jews in Israel." The article continued, "...Muslim and Arab leaders in the New York area emphasized that they were reacting to the emergency first and...

Source: Los Angeles Times

On September 12, 2001, The Los Angeles Times reported that, "From Washington to Los Angeles, Muslim leaders quickly mobilized to put out the word that they stood united with other Americans. At the same time, Muslim parochial schools were being closed, Islamic centers and mosques were being shuttered, and Muslim workers were staying off the job out of fear that they would be targeted amid an upturn in e-mail and telephone threats." Mosques and Islamic Schools throughout Southern California will increase security in response to a...

Source: Office of Governor Davis

Source: New England Sikh Study Circle Press Release

On September 12, 2001, the New England Sikh Study Circle issued a press release regarding the attacks on the U.S. "The Sikh American Community of Boston would like to express our deep pain and shock about the horrific attack on the people and property of the United States." The press release continues, "Sikhs, with their turbans and beards, might be mistaken for associates of certain well-known terrorist leaders...In the past 36 hours since the attack on America began, there have been confirmed reports of Sikhs...

Source: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On September 12, 2001, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that, "As broadcasters and politicians speculated yesterday that Islamic terrorist groups had orchestrated the deadliest attack on U.S. citizens since Pearl Harbor, many Muslims here prayed for the victims and their families -- and struggled with the fear that they might be targets of retaliation, however undeserved." The article reported that, in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, "Muslims reported more than 200 incidents of harassment, threats or violence...

Source: USA TODAY

On September 12, 2001, USA Today reported "People of every faith, and none, brought their pain, fear and helpless sadness to churches, synagogues and mosques. And clergy reached out with comfort -- and cautions." The article explained that, although the Muslim community had joined other religious groups in condemning the attack and helping the victims, "They also warned their own believers to keep a low profile. In the first few days after the attack...Muslims reported more than 200 incidents of harassment, threats and actual violence....

Source: The Baltimore Sun

On September 12, 2001, The Baltimore Sun reported, "As the shock and horror of yesterday's terrorist attacks began to sink in, churches, synagogues and mosques opened their doors for formal services, shared petition and quiet meditation." The article also made note of an interfaith service with Jews, Muslims, and Christians in Columbia, Maryland. "Under the Star of David, Islam's crescent moon and other symbols of world religions, about 85 people prayed for the victims, their families - and for those responsible for the attacks. 'I...

Source: Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force Press Release

http://www.sikhmediawatch.org/latest_news.htm

On September 12, 2001, a press release from the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) stated, "the Sikh American community would like to join their fellow Americans in condemning the horrific acts that took place on the morning of September 11, 2001. We are saddened by the tremedous loss of life...and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims."...

Source: Newsday

On September 12, 2001, Newsday reported on religious responses to the terrorist attacks in New York City. "From Manhattan to Montauk, members of the clergy reached out to offer spiritual solace and words of comfort as the area searched for answers to yesterday's attacks. The area's faithful filed into churches, mosques and synagogues, murmuring prayers of hope for missing loved ones and those who are presumed dead." During the emergency, religious communities offered shelter and food. In the aftermath, they are planning blood drives and...

Source: MSNBC

http://www.msnbc.com/news/627487.asp

On September 11, 2001, an MSNBC/Newsweek Web story, "The Blame Game," covered the first reports of threats against Arab Americans and Muslim Americans in the wake of terrorist attacks.

Source: The InterFaith Conference of Metro DC Press Release

http://www.interfaith-metrodc.org/pressrelease091101.htm

On September 11, 2001, the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington issued a press release announcing their plans to gather "leaders and members of diverse faith traditions to pray together in this time of national crisis." Prayers will be held on September 13 at Georgetown University. "The public is invited to join people from the Baha'i, Hindu-...

Source: The Boston Globe

http://www.wordscanheal.com

On Tuesday September 4, 2001, The Boston Globe reported that "a group headed by an Orthodox rabbi and backed by an array of US politicians and movie stars is launching a media campaign today to reduce gossip in everyday life...The National Education Association estimates that 160,000 children skip school each day because of intimidation by their peers." The group led by Rabbi Chiam Feld is called "Words Can Heal (http//:www.wordscanheal.com...