WASHINGTON, April 8 (UPI) -- A Muslim advocacy group Thursday urged political and religious leaders in the United States to help fight anti-Islamic propaganda.
The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations said anti-Islam rhetoric was stirring attacks on Muslims across the nation.
The latest incident involved an assault on the wife of a Muslim priest in Annapolis, Md. The woman, who was wearing an Islamic head scarf, was hit by a bottle Thursday as she left a mosque.
In a similar incident on Tuesday, the owner of a jewelry kiosk at a Tampa mall said she was verbally and physically assaulted by three people who told her to "get out of (America)" and said her religion is "hateful and violent."
CAIR also expressed concern at arson attacks on Muslim businesses in San Antonio, Texas.
"Many Muslims believe the rise in such incidents can be tied to the
anti-Muslim rhetoric used by some media commentators, particularly radio talk show hosts," the group said.
Last month, a Los Angeles radio station had to issue an on-air apology for a skit that claimed Muslims have sex with animals, avoid bathing and are obsessed with killing Jews.
