Given the continued anti-terrorist climate, the following information is important for Arabs and Muslims to protect their families in case they are exposed to any inconvenience at any time while in the United States.
Make a list of contacts in case of emergency.
Carry a list of people who can be reached by telephone or e-mail in case of an emergency. This list must include local Imams, Islamic centers and Muslim and Arab activists in your neighborhood.
Hold a meeting to educate Muslims or non-Muslims in ways to protect themselves.
Conduct a meeting for Muslims and Arabs in your neighborhood to discuss the [advice] included in this article and the ways to practice it. It is possible to hold the meeting in a mosque or local Islamic center.
Build a network among Muslims and Arabs in your neighborhood.
Form a network of Muslims and Arabs capable of offering financial and emotional support to those who are susceptible to hate crimes or discrimination. Be supportive of the victims of these incidents.
Advice in protecting mosques.
Mosques most at risk are those located in remote areas, those that have doors and windows that are easy to penetrate, with no outside lighting, security or an alarm system.
Inform the authorities about any suspicious activities.
Muslims should work together to guarantee our country’s security and safety. If Muslims or Arabs see anyone or any suspicious activities in their neighborhood, they should immediately inform the FBI about these activities.
Deal with incidents of discrimination.
If you are a victim or a witness of a hate crime and/or discrimination against Muslims or Arabs, you should immediately call the police and the FBI. Ask the witnesses for their names, addresses and telephone numbers where they can be contacted.
Threats about the existence of explosives:
* If you receive a threat by telephone, try to keep the person who is calling you on the line. Ask him or her to repeat the information and record or write down everything that he/she says.
* Try to convince the person to tell you where the explosives are located.
* Explain to the caller that the bomb explosion is going to hurt a lot of innocent people, and
* Be very careful to note anything you hear (for example, music). This can help to locate where this person is calling from.
Put together a list of lawyers who are willing to defend Muslims and Arabs in your neighborhood.
You should make a list of lawyers’ names, addresses and telephone numbers, who can give advice and help in case you are exposed to any discrimination. Plead with them to volunteer to help Muslims and Arabs in the period of crisis.
