A Town That Has Been a Refuge for Jews and Muslims Now Sees Divisions

livemint.com:

SKOKIE, Ill.—Descendants of Holocaust survivors and a growing Muslim population live side by side in this diverse Chicago suburb that prides itself on safety and civility. That tolerance is being put to the test as war rages in the Middle East. Skokie has long been known as a welcoming village on Chicago’s northern border, with one- and two-story homes on modest lots and good schools.

A major attraction there is the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. In addition to its substantial Jewish and Muslim communities, Skokie’s population of 65,500 speaks more than 75 languages. “We are very diverse and we get along well together, but there’s no question that the war has created tension within the community," said George Van Dusen, who has been mayor since 1999.

Over the last several weeks, a bomb threat caused the evacuation of a synagogue, students staged a sit-in in support of Palestinians at a local high school and someone pulled up yard signs expressing homeowners’ support for Israel. In one chaotic scene last month, two men were arrested at a pro-Palestinian rally outside a gathering of supporters of Israel at a local banquet hall. One was charged after allegedly using pepper spray on pro-Palestinian demonstrators while the other, who fired a gunshot into the air, wasn’t charged; prosecutors described the latter incident as self-defense, local officials said.

“We’re managing as best as we possibly can," said Van Dusen. Skokie’s struggles are a microcosm of tensions across the country. The Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as Muslim and Jewish groups have reported an increase in antisemitic and anti-Muslim threats and incidents in the wake of the Oct.