WASHINGTON: In a demonstration of interfaith solidarity, American Muslims have raised almost $120,000 since Saturdayfor the surviving victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the relatives of of those killed and injured in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting,
Robert Bowers, a 46-year-old white supremacist armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle and at least three handguns entered the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh and fired upon innocent men, women, and children. Bowers reportedly yelled “all Jews must die.” He was arrested at the scene and faces the death penalty.
The crowdfunding campaign by two Muslim American groups launched and online drive within hours of the shooting and raise tens of thousands for synagogue victims
It was organised by CelebrateMercy and MPower Change, Muslim-American non-profits organizations.
“We wish to respond to evil with good, as our Islamic faith teaches us, and send a powerful message of compassion to the Jewish community – our Abrahamic cousins,” said Tarek El-Messidi, director of CelebrateMercy.
Fundraising proceeds will go toward meeting the short-term needs of the injured victims and grieving families, including funeral expenses and medical bills.
“Through this campaign, we hope to send a united message from the Jewish and Muslim communities that there is no place for this type of hate and violence in America or anywhere worldwide,” the groups said.
“We pray that this restores a sense of security and peace to the Jewish-American community who has undoubtedly been shaken by this event.
The leader of the Islamic Centre of Pittsburgh Wasi Mohamed said the Muslim community was ready to act and help. “We just want to know what you need,” he said on Sunday.
“If it’s people outside your next service protecting you, let us know. We’ll be there.
“If you need anything at all, if you need food for the families, if you just need someone to come to the grocery store because you don’t feel safe in this city, we’ll be there. And I’m sure everybody in the room would say the same thing.”
Muslims also expressed solidarity with the synagogue on social media platforms using the hashtag #Muslims4Pittsburgh.
With agency inputs