A few days ago in Kuala Lumpur, the Islamic tourism ministers appealed to the world not to discriminate against Muslim travelers. In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States, many innocent Muslims have experienced a variety of problems for no reason other than that they were Muslims.
The Islamic ministers might as well have remained silent since Arab and Muslim travelers in the United States and Europe continue to be targeted by law-enforcement and security officials. In Sweden, three Arab passengers were taken off a plane simply because the other passengers felt uncomfortable about their presence. In Geneva, a prominent Arab TV journalist with a European passport was detained overnight by Swiss police. In London, an elderly Saudi woman was asked by an airport official: "Are you a terrorist?" Another Saudi woman was asked: "Are you a Bin Laden supporter?" What I wonder is whether the questioner really imagined that anyone would answer such questions affirmatively!
Many passengers from our region have experienced completely unnecessary indignities and humiliation. The sole reason is that they are either Arabs or Muslims — or both. This is unacceptable and must be stopped. Well over 99 percent of all Arabs and Muslims were horrified and outraged by the Sept. 11 attacks. They certainly understand the need for heightened security but that security must be tempered with good sense and an awareness of individual differences. It must not assume that every single Arab or Muslim is a terrorist or is sympathetic to terrorists and terrorism. The hysteria that has engulfed the Western world is running completely out of control. Because of the West’s ignorance of Arabs and Islam, the hysteria shows few signs of abating; indications are that it will increase.
What course of action is available to us? First and foremost, we should attempt to inform and educate the Western public. Unfortunately at present, however, I would recommend not traveling where we may meet with unnecessary hassles and possible harassment.
For many years, especially since the 1970s, hundreds of Arabs have chosen Europe or America as their preferred holiday destination. Large numbers bought houses and property there; they opened bank accounts there and many even sent their children to be educated in those countries. Now all that has changed. Arabs no longer feel safe and secure where they were formerly made to feel welcome. Warm smiles in those countries have grown fewer and outsiders are no longer accepted easily for what they are and claim to be. Arabs are now looked upon with unease, some distaste and perhaps even horror. A simple transfer of money, however small, may make a banker you have known for years suddenly suspicious. An unexpectedly high phone bill may prompt a landlord to notify the authorities. If travelers insist on getting to the airport in plenty of time before their flight, the airline staff and personnel begin to suspect something fishy. Airport security is called and the passengers are not only questioned but interrogated and grilled. Luggage is opened and searched and more than a few passengers are strip-searched. Why do we have to endure this kind of treatment? Why be thrown off planes, trains and ships? Why be subjected to ridicule and ill-treatment by others?
Perhaps it is time for us to realize that there are in fact many places where we could have comfortable and untroubled holidays. These places are in Asia and Africa and have been designed with tourists in mind. There is no reason for us to become apologists for our race and religion. Being Arab and Muslim should not mean having to endure harassment and discrimination. How many white American Christians experienced problems after the bombing in Oklahoma? We are not obliged to tolerate ostracism of our community as a whole. We may miss familiar sights and locales but our pride will remain unhurt and pleasure undiminished. — [email protected]
