American Muslims start fundraiser to repair vandalized Jewish cemetery

Washington D.C. [United States], Feb. 22 (ANI): Two American Muslim activists have started a fundraiser to help pay for needed repairs of a Jewish cemetery in the St. Louis suburb of University City, after it was vandalized over the long holiday weekend. "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, desecration, and violence in America," The Washington Post quoted the fundraising page on the site Launching Good as saying. The fundraising page said they will pray that there campaign restores a sense of security and peace amongst Jewish-American community. The page had got above its goal of raising USD 20, 000 within a few hours of going up on Tuesday afternoon. The campaign was created Tarek El-Messidi along with fellow activist Linda Sarsour. Tarek said he was reminded of a story about the prophet Muhammad, who had stood up when a Jewish funeral procession passed when he saw the news about the vandalism at Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery. "That story goes to show more than anything the humanity of the prophet. . We should bring the story to life here and show every person deserves to rest in peace," he said. Tarek said that there campaign to help pay for needed repairs of a Jewish cemetery was a great way to show respect and honor for their Jewish cousins. El-Messidi through his non-profit, Celebrate Mercy, he is not only educating people about the prophet's teachings but also uniting Muslims to respond to evil with good. Both Muslim and Jewish communities in the United States have been targeted, threatened and bullied since the rise of hate crime incidents after the November election. (ANI)