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NettaV,
Hi...if you find the answer PLEASE let me know. I am an American-Arab of Christian faith, and I am witnessing these hate crimes myself. I live in a fairly large city, Syracuse, NY, and the hate is everywhere.
Emotions are running high and local retaliation has already begun against Arab citizens. Not all people are reacting this way, but the few that are spewing hatred and confronting people on the streets are enough to cause even further damage. I fear that hatred and fear will overcome the people, where in fact, love should prevail. It brings me back to the days of Desert Storm. I nearly had to drop out of college, in fear of the anger and hatred that surrounded me. It was a very stressful time and I walked with fear. I do not look Arabic, but my name gave it away, as did my friendship among my peers who knew I was Arabic. I fear again...and I find myself arming my home with the alarm system, and locking my bedroom door. And at the same time, I feel it is ridiculous for me to fear so much. But there was a part of me that feels safer doing so.
I can only pray that God will forgive us all...
Thank you,
Mireille
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