Upon hearing of the vandalization of the Vaad Hakolel cemetery, A Muslim volunteer assists with restoring the toppled headstones. (Photo: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Rochester Chapter)
(REPORT) — A single tweet by an American Muslim marine who offered to stand guard at Jewish cemeteries following a wave of anti-Semitic attacks has sparked a wave of similar offers of solidarity on social media.
I'm a #MuslimMarine in Chicagoland area. If your synagogue or Jewish cemetery needs someone to stand guard, count me in. Islam requires it.
— The Muslim Marine (@MuslimMarine) February 27, 2017
The offer by Tayyib Rashid, who calls himself “The Muslim Marine” on Twitter, followed a series of attacks against Jewish cemeteries and threats against synagogues, which some have linked to the emboldened far right movements since Donald Trump was elected president.
In the weeks following Trump’s inauguration, Jewish Community Centres (JCC) in the United States reported a spike in the number of anti-Semitic attacks and harassment across the country.
A number of Jewish organisations have also claimed that Trump has not been vocal enough in condemning anti-Semitism.
Now, American Muslims on Twitter are offering to stand guard over Jewish sites in solidarity, and to help prevent further attacks. Rashid started off the stream of offers on social media, and received hordes of support for his “kindness”.
Fellow Muslims followed suit offering their support, including Emmy Award-Winning TV broadcaster Momin Bhatti:
I'm a Muslim in #Harrisburg. If your synagogue or community center needs someone 2 stand guard, I will stand guard 4 you. Islam requires it.
— Momin (@BhattiMomin) February 28, 2017
Best-selling Harry Potter author JK Rowling also joined in the call to defend Jewish sites.
Muslim veterans offer to guard Jewish sites in America: 'Count me in' https://t.co/c8ZIHrWB15
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 3, 2017
@KenRoth @JonathanLanday @Independent this is the spirit that built America and keeps it strong.
— WhatWeShouldKnow (@WWSKBlog) March 3, 2017
Hope they don't need us but we will be available in Detroit area as needed.https://t.co/3QJBX17Pro https://t.co/ZVyTBWCywH
— Mansoor Qureshi MD (@man_qureshi) March 3, 2017
I'm a Muslim in DC. If your synagogue needs someone to stand guard, I'll stand guard. Islam requires it. https://t.co/kw4acYBuPK
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) February 27, 2017
Others applauded the tweets and their message of unity.
Love Trumps hate!Muslim veterans offer to guard Jewish sites across US | Jewish Telegraphic Agency https://t.co/LcD7fQ0yhX
— Anne Sagebiel (@AnnieSage) March 3, 2017
The best of #America: Muslim veterans offer to guard Jewish sites across US https://t.co/nfisGwTb7V #jewishcemetery
— Nina Verghese (@nverghese) March 3, 2017
And many were moved by this heartfelt show of solidarity.
Wow #FairPlay. Muslim-Americans offer to stand guard at Jewish sites across US to prevent vandalism https://t.co/gtPJjCzqWL pic.twitter.com/AFgR90u3yX
— ✝️Thomas✡Ireland✝️ (@tommyi317) March 3, 2017
HUMANITY Continues To Warm Our Hearts {@JStreetdotorg:Muslim Veterans Offer To Guard Jewish Sites Across The #USA {@CAIRNational @JakeTapper
— Lorrie Cellini (@LCellini) March 3, 2017
Jewish Twitter users also appreciated the tweets and some, including this user, offered the same support in return.
@MuslimMarine likewise. This Jewish girl will do anything I can to protect my Muslim brothers and sisters. #unite #resist
— Keely Brown (@KeelyBrownBerk) March 1, 2017
The latest offers of solidarity comes after US Muslims set up a fund earlier this year to raise money for Jewish cemeteries that had been vandalized, and within a week, raised almost $140,000.
© Middle East Eye
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