As the World Trade Center and Pentagon burned, tensions were high for local and national Arab-Americans, Muslims and Jews.

        Within hours of the terrorist attacks, hate calls and threats began flowing into Islamic centers across Greater Cincinnati.

        And Hebrew Union College in Clifton closed Tuesday morning. HUC Dean Kenneth Ehrlich said he made the decision upon the recommendation and request of the FBI.

        HUC trains rabbis, cantors, educators and communal service professionals for the Reform movement worldwide. It was founded in Cincinnati in 1875, making it the nation's oldest Jewish seminary.

        Although Arab-American and Muslim organizations were among the first to condemn the violence, some targeted the groups with threats and vandalism. Some Muslims are asking for police protection at their mosques, fearing retaliation.

        No group had asserted responsibility for the attacks. Some immediately suspected Muslim terrorist Osama bin Laden.

        Majed Dabdoub, president of the Islamic Association of Greater Cincinnati, said he received at least four threatening phone calls.

        “Attacking the Muslims does not help,” he said. “We need to stick together as Americans.”

        About 40 preschool, kindergarten and first- and second-grade students at the Islamic Center in West Chester Township were sent home Tuesday morning after the phone threats, and the center was shut.

        The Washington D.C.-based Council on American-Islamic Relations urged Arab-Americans and Muslims nationwide to report incidents of anti-Muslim attacks. They also suggested those who wear Islamic attire consider staying out of public areas.

        Tristate police are taking precautions to ensure the safety of Muslims, Arab-Americans and Jews. In West Chester, officers were stationed outside the Islamic Center throughout the night and in Amberley Village officers were posted at five synagogues.

        Zeinab Schwen, an Arab-American who lives in Symmes Township, said “people should not jump to conclusions.”

        “If this was the work of some Arab organization, people should not think that Arab-Americans condone such horrible, terrorist activity.”

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