STORRS, Conn. — UConn students in Islamic organizations said they're getting threatening messages in response to the Israel-Hamas War.
"When something happens to Muslims why are we not treated like everyone else," said Abdulrehman Ahmed, a student at UConn in Storrs.
As the Israel-Hamas War continues, students at UConn campuses in Storrs and Stamford said they are receiving messages of hate.
The monthlong conflict in Gaza followed Hamas' Oct. 7 attack in Israel in which militants killed more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and took 242 hostages. Deaths in Gaza under Israeli bombardment have soared past 10,000, alienating international governments that had endorsed Israel's right of self-defense. Israel blames Hamas for the heavy death toll, accusing the group of using civilians as human shields.
The Connecticut Chapter of the Council on Islamic Relations, the Muslim Students Association, and the Students for Justice in Palestine chapters at UConn say in recent weeks they've received a xoncerning email and voicemail that are both racist and threatening.
The messages contain violent language and wish for Muslim deaths.
The exact wording of the messages are too inappropriate to share. Students said the voicemail was left by an Oklahoma number, but they're speaking up to help protect their student organizations.
"Words like the ones that are in that email spark hatred and can radicalize someone so quickly that’s what we’re scared about. We’re not intimated, but we’re scared," said Muneeb Syed, a student.
The student groups reported these messages to the police and FBI.
They say they'd like to see a community that is accepting and promotes inclusion and diversity.
University leaders put out a statement saying they condemn all forms of hatred.
There has been a huge uptick in bias and messages of hate for both Muslim communities and Jewish communities across the country following the start of the war.
Students said more needs to be done.
"There are students here on this campus who are visibly Muslim and feel there’s a target on their backs," said Lena Maarouf, a former student.
Governor Lamont is having a meeting next week with security officials at universities and colleges across our state to prevent incidents of hate.
Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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