The World Trade Center and Pentagon tragedies have left Americans and people around the world shocked, saddened, scared, traumatized, angry, and vengeful. We do not know who is responsible for taking the lives of many innocent victims. We do have our suspicions, and it is being said that a very well-organized network of people pulled it off.

We know from experience what can happen when Americans feel internally threatened. The internment of Japanese American citizens is a very good example. Have we learned a lesson from that experience? The rhetoric in the media that links the devastation to Middle East “terrorists” clearly makes numerous Arab American citizens and immigrants to the USA uneasy. Other Americans are suspicious that an Arab neighbor or work colleague may be involved. Calls for revenge against those involved in the attacks only heightens the sense of fear and the search for easy targets.

Most Arab Americans and Arab immigrants live productively in this country. They are not as productive when they feel threatened by prejudice and insensitivity. Managers and fellow employees need to do whatever is possible to avoid victimizing Arab employees. Community leaders and members need to model inclusion, and work against the exclusion of innocent Arab neighbors.

The following is a list of things to keep you mindful in this difficult work:

1. Hold a general employee or community meeting that focuses on beginning the process of helping everyone get through this difficult time.

2. Educate yourself and others on the contributions Arabs living in the USA make to the country.

3. Learn about the difficulties Arab people face in the USA as a result of being Muslim, having stereotypical physical features, and speaking an Arabic language.

4. Recognize that even those who have “shed” their Arab identity as much as possible in order to “fit in” also suffer.

5. Encourage teachers, local politicians, and clergy to help children and adults come together as a community and citizens.

6. Learn about the differences among Arab people in terms of religious practices, political views, and attraction to the USA.

7. Hold regular discussion groups to promote understanding and inclusion.

8. Avoid using exclusive language (e.g., members of the Arab-American community is better than “those people”).

9. Model being inclusive, accepting, tolerant, and nonjudgmental.

10. Continue efforts to achieve inclusion long after the shock of the disaster wears off.