(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Mosques across South Florida have received more than a dozen hateful messages and phone calls in recent weeks. Muslim Americans have been told to be on alert.
"There are people who want to create hate and stick a wedge between Muslims and American society," says Nezar Hamze, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Florida.
Hamze says none of them are direct threats, but he admits there's a sense of fear in the Muslim community.
"The reality is they're looking at places of worship and the Muslim community as suspect," says Hamze.
NewsChannel 5 found that doesn't appear to be how the majority of South Floridians feel.
"I think everyone deserves a fair shake," says Jeff Berry, of Boca Raton. "I think people need to be more educated, that's the most important thing."
"Even though there have been pressure points in recent weeks and years, overall the relationships between communities are positive," says Rabbi David Englander of B'Nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton.
Muslim Americans sense a positive shift in perception.
"People are getting better, you can't judge one billion Muslims for a few people's terrorist acts," says Mohammed Gasdawlah, of Boca Raton.
Hamze spoke with Mark Rowley, a Boca Raton man planning to shred the Quran on Memorial Day. The Palm Beach Post reports Rowley says the holy book of Islam incites rape and murder.
Hamze refutes that claim. Hamze says Rowley admits he's never read the Quran. Hamze believes Rowley doesn't understand the religion he plans on offending.
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