Anger at ‘racist’ criticism of bus ads
AN Islamic charity running a campaign on Greater Manchester buses has responded to critics of its banners - and transport bosses have slammed ‘totally unacceptable’ racist comments about the ads.
The adverts, currently appearing on 100 of the region’s buses, read: “For the Love of Allah save a life now.”
The organisation behind them, Islamic Relief, says the ads are a call to support their charity, which offers humanitarian support to people of ‘all faiths and none’.
Some people have responded negatively to the advertisement on Twitter.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has branded some responses ‘unacceptable’.
On Sunday night, First Manchester responded to criticism - which included threats to boycott - with an apology.
However, First later withdrew that tweet in favour of the message: “A religious advert on some of our vehicles has led to racist comments, which we do not condone.
“We have alerted @ ExterionMediaUK to the feedback on the advert, as they manage the advertising space.”
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) bosses went further in its statement, which read: “TfGM has been tagged in a number of tweets over the last few days about a national campaign by the Islamic Relief charity that has appeared on local buses.”
Describing Greater Manchester as an inclusive and diverse region, the statement added: “The content and tone of many of the comments that have been made are totally unacceptable and we will not be responding to comments about this campaign.”
The campaign has also featured on 75 London red double-deckers and on 82 underground trains in Glasgow.
Judith Escribano, head of communications at the charity, said: “Islamic Relief is a development agency assisting some of the poorest people in the world, both in the UK and over 40 developing countries.”
She said the campaign was launched to draw attention to Ramadan, which starts later this month.
Describing Ramadan as a time for ‘fasting, praying and reflecting’, she said it was also a time for Muslims to make charitable donations.
She added: “We have no wish to cause offence to anyone – our campaign is appealing to people’s charitable nature and goodwill at this uniquely generous time of year for Muslims, much as Christian charities advertise in the runup to Christmas.
“We are asking people to save a life for the love of Allah.
“We do not believe that this is an offensive message. Allah is the name of God in Islam.
“It would be inaccurate to use the word ‘God’ instead of Allah.”
She said they worked with people of all faiths, adding: “People often hear Islamic Relief’s name and assume either we are a proselyting organisation or that we are concerned solely with Muslims helping their own.
“We have been able to challenge these prejudices in the past as a result of healthy public debate about our campaigns.
“We are a purely humanitarian organisation and assist people of all faiths and none.”
A First spokeswoman said: “We are aware of a number of negative comments in relation to a national advertising campaign, by the charity Islamic Relief, carried on our First Manchester fleet. We do not condone or support any of these comments.”
ExterionMedia, the advertising firm, has been contacted for comment.