WASHINGTON, USA — The brutal murder of a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy in Chicago is prompting warnings to stay vigilant from many leaders in Washington’s Arab-American community. They are worried more violence may come their way.
"It's just so horrific that, our entire community is in shock right now," said Imraan Siddiqi, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Siddiqi's organization, CAIR, champions civil rights and equality for Islamic Americans.
"Losing your child who's so innocent? He doesn't know what's going on in the world. He doesn't know the conflict that is happening overseas," said Siddiqi.
The community's shock, sadness and concerns come as data released by the FBI Monday showed all reported hate crime incidents in 2022 rose to the highest number ever recorded since the FBI started tracking hate crimes in 1991.
"This is reminiscent of, really, the post-911 era," Siddiqi added.
But these concerns are also being echoed by Washingtonians of the Jewish faith.
"I do think, layered on, we're actually starting to see on-the-ground implications of the war between Israel and Hamas," said Miri Cypers, director of the Anti-Defamation League for the Pacific Northwest.
Cypers continued, "A lot of people are scared to go to services, they're scared to send their kids to preschool or Hebrew school. They're scared to enter buildings that are associated with the Jewish community. But moreover, on top of that, we are seeing a lot of anti-Israel rhetoric."
She said a threat to one community is really representative of a threat to all communities.
"The targeting of a young Palestinian boy is completely unacceptable," said Cypers.
Both Cypers and Siddiqi urge you to file a police report if you are ever a victim of a hate crime.
"Ensure that you don't just sit with it," said Siddiqi. "Acts of violence? Definitely report to police."
The Seattle Police Department leads a Safe Place Program, which aims to give victims of all hate crimes dignified places to go after an incident.
You can go into any business in Seattle that has a rainbow sticker on its front window that reads "Safe Place", and that business will give you shelter while calling for help.
Becoming a Safe Place is free for business owners in Seattle. Learn how to sign up here.