Rising Islamophobia and
Anti-Arab hate. Let’s Talk
about Racism.
Challenging Stereotypes, Building Bridges: Addressing the Surge in Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate
Attachment A
Human Relations Commission Mission
“... promote the just and fair treatment of
all people in Palo Alto”
Bigotry against Palestinians and Islamophobia
- Recent Acts of Hate
Murder of a 6 year old boy, Wadea
Al-Fayoume
Three Palestinian college students shot
in Vermont
How Does this Affect us here in Palo Alto?
● Fear of Speaking Up● Fear of advocating for Palestinian Human Rights● Fear of being called “Terrorist” ○ Our identities are unjustly conflated with terrorism
■ PAUSD Resolution : “WHEREAS, Muslim and
MENA, and especially our Palestinian PAUSD
students and families, whose cultural
self-expression and very identity are routinely
conflated with terrorism, are feeling targeted,
and report experiencing hatred, silencing,
intimidation and exclusionary behaviors in our
elementary, middle and high schools;”
■ Regular Board Meeting - November 14, 2023
● Afraid to identify with our culture, religion or heritage● Fear of being doxxed, threatened, or harassed The effects go beyond the Arab, Muslim, and
Palestinian communities. It affects ALL of us,
regardless of ethnic background, race, or
religion. When people fear being silenced,
called names, and fear for their own personal
safeties, it isolates communities and
dehumanizes them.
Silence from Community leader further
worsens this
Mental Health Effects
● Over 60% of American Muslims have reported experiencing at least one instance of religious discrimination
● Living through Islamophobia is associated with poorer mental health outcomes in both Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim.
● Discrimination due to Muslim identity is associated with a greater number of depressive symptoms, fear and anxiety, lower
self-esteem, and overall psychological distress.
● 56% of Muslim school-age respondents reported feeling unsafe at school and 20% of them reported missing school due to these feelings
Rania Awaad, M.D. is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine where she is the Director of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab
Personal Story of being a Palo
Alto Muslim
● Previously, always felt included and
comfortable.
● Would read Ramadan story before
winter break at Walter Hays
● Truly felt Palo Alto was a utopia
● Different now - This is the most
fearful time since living in Palo Alto
How can the HRC Help Us?
● Official Recognition of Ramadan and Eid Holidays
● Cultural and Literary Festivals
○ Highlight Muslim and Arab authors
○ Highlight prominent American Muslim figures past and
present (eg Muhammad Ali, Hasan Minhaj)
○ Highlight Muslim artists and musicians
○ Annual Palo Alto city sponsored community Iftar
(Ramadan) dinner
○ Eid festivals
● Education
○ On Islam, Ramadan, and Fasting
○ Teach-ins for local teachers on Islamic and Arab History ● Safety
○ Liaison with Police department
How can the HRC Help Us?
● City Council Support
○ Stronger condemnation of Islamophobia, Anti-Arab, and Anti-Palestinian racism
○ Palestinian Cultural Day Proclamation May 15, 2023
● Adoption of anti-racism and anti-hate definitions along with community education
○ Anti-Palestinian racism
■ Anti-Palestinian Racism: Naming, Framing and
Manifestations by Arab Canadian Lawyers
Association
■ Anti-Palestinian Racism
○ Islamophobia
■ A Working Definition of Islamophobia - Presented at
Human Rights Council
Thank you
We appreciate that you have given
our community a voice.