Marine Tayyib Rashid is volunteering to guard Jewish community centers, graveyards and houses of worship in his hometown of Chicago after media outlets reported on multiple high profile anti-semitic hate crimes in recent weeks across the midwest and the east coast.
His act of virtue is share worthy in and of itself, but what makes it truly stand out is the fact that the Rashid is a Muslim.
READ: Muslim Americans Raise over $100,000 to Help Repair Vandalized Jewish Cemetery
The JCC , a prominent Jewish organization, has reported that more than 100 bomb threats on Jewish centers have been recorded in the first two months of 2017 and that number also includes the publicized graveyard attack in St. Louis, Missouri last week.
So the offer made by Rashid comes at a time when tensions are high in the religious community. To extend the offer, the MBA graduate turned to social media, saying on Twitter,”I’m a #MuslimMarine in Chicagoland area. If your synagogue or Jewish cemetery needs someone to stand guard, count me in. Islam requires it.”
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
Rashid also shared his desire to help the Jewish community in a short Periscope video where he says, “I’ve seen a tremendous outpouring of love and support from all Americans, from Muslims, from my fellow Jewish Americans, from Christians, from atheists, from everyone”.
So far his one tweet has been liked 13,000 times and other Muslims have stepped forward to help protect Jewish centers and houses of worship in their local community just like Rashid.
@MuslimMarine @Suntimes @dmihalopoulos Thank you @MuslimMarine for being a hero and role model to Islamic youth
— Hyatt (@hyattnothotel) March 3, 2017
@MuslimMarine you are an inspiration to the world. Kindness and courage.
https://t.co/qREaV7BkPs— Nerissa Piamonte (@WanderfulNeriss) March 3, 2017
This is what makes America great. Always. Thank you, @MuslimMarine for reminding us who we are. #SemperFi #UnitedWeStand https://t.co/pJ5gLBG765
— L.Says (@TheRealLadySays) March 3, 2017
This amazing marine definitely lives up to the motto of "Always Faithful." https://t.co/sutd7Q8pPN
— Clay Williams (@ClayRides) March 3, 2017
Just days after this former Marine’s call for action and protection went viral, another Jewish cemetery was vandalized in Rochester, New York and within hours members of the Muslim community showed up to help clean.
Another heinous attack on Jewish cemetery in Rochester, NY. My Ahmadi Muslim Brothers showed up within hours to help clean up. #TrueIslam pic.twitter.com/0fs4mrNDMf
— The Muslim Marine (@MuslimMarine) March 3, 2017
(H/T: BBC)
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