After the desecration of a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis over the long holiday weekend, an incident in which more than 150 headstones were toppled or damaged, two American Muslim activists started a fundraiser to help pay for needed repairs.
“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 fundraising page on the site LaunchingGood reads. “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 Washington Post, ‘Every person deserves to rest in peace’
They were aiming to raise $20,000 for the project, and they reached their goal in three hours. The money kept pouring in — they had $80,000 by the end of 24 hours, and when I looked last night the total was over $128,000. (If you are interested, here is the link.) They will use the additional funds to help other vandalized Jewish centers nationwide.
Good for them! There may be hope for us yet. 🙂
This is very uplifting news, Jean. People respond when an issue (and request for funds) strikes close to their hearts. A campaign always has more power when there is action required, as we have seen from this response.
It’s a lot better than just protesting.
Such feel good gestures is unlikely to remove the root cause of the problem. What was covert can now be overt with little fear of general condemnation or punishment.
Just because we can’t do everything doesn’t mean we can’t do something.
I’ve seeing this on the news and it’s a perfect reminder that “Love trumps hate!” and I’m so very grateful for that!
Every little bit helps!
so wonderful!
thank you for sharing that!
🙂
sometimes it’s not just money that is given – but time and labour that is free to fix whatever has happened.
Yes, there are all sorts of ways we can help.