Muslim groups raise funds for Synagogue victims

WASHINGTON: A crowdfunding campaign by two Muslim American groups has raised almost $80,000 for the surviving victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the relatives of the 11 killed.

The campaign reached its initial goal of $25,000 within six hours, its second goal of $50,000 after a day, and is now targeting $100,000.

It was organised by Celebrate mercy and Mpower Change, Muslim-american non-profits.

“We wish to respond to evil with good, as our faith instructs us, and send a powerful message of compassion through action,” the groups said in a statement.

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,” 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 man charged with shooting, the deadliest ever attack on America’s Jewish community, was due to make his first court appearance on Monday before a federal judge.

Robert Bowers, 46, who has been posting anti-semitic material online, has been charged with 29 criminal counts.