US Muslim groups raise RM330,000 for victims

A crowdfunding campaign by two Muslim American groups has raised US$80,000 (RM330,000) for the surviving victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the relatives of the 11 killed.

The campaign on LaunchGood reached its initial goal of US$25,000 in six hours, its second goal of US$50,000 after a day and is targeting US$100,000.

It was organised by CelebrateMercy and MPower Change, Muslim-American nonprofits.

“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.

Fundraising proceeds will go towards meeting the shortterm 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.

“We pray that this restores a sense of security and peace to the Jewish-American community who has undoubtedly been shaken by this event.”

Federal officials said on Sunday that suspect Robert Bowers, 46, faces 29 federal charges, many of them carrying the death penalty.

Hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds packed the auditorium of a downtown Pittsburgh museum for a nondenominational vigil on Sunday evening.