As social media erupted with hatred towards Muslims following Monday's 16-hour siege in Australia, scores of others took the chance to show support for Muslims in a stand against Islamophobia with the hashtag illridewithyou.
The campaign began when Sir Tessa tweeted she would ride the bus with those wearing religious attire if they don't feel safe, news.com.au reported. Others soon joined the support campaign, offering protection by riding public transportation with or giving rides to Australian Muslims.
If you reg take the #373 bus b/w Coogee/MartinPl, wear religious attire, & don’t feel safe alone: I’ll ride with you. @ me for schedule.
— Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) December 15, 2014
370 from South King street to UNSW- give me a yell! #illridewithyou — Dame Bravo Juliett (@esmewatson) December 15, 2014
Hear, hear!! I drive every morning, If anyone needs to get to the city from the Northern suburbs #illridewithyou @sharnatweets #Adelaide — Shahen Khoshnaw (@SK6126) December 15, 2014
It wasn't long before Australia's Muslim community took to twitter to express appreciation for the love during a time of rising anti-Islamic sentiments, brought on by extremist organizations like the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and Boko Haram in Nigeria.
@sirtessa As a muslim who wears the Hijab ....THANK YOU SO MUCH !!! #PrayForSydney #PrayForHostages — #BLackLiVesMatter (@MissyDazz) December 15, 2014
Thanks for the big love. It wasn't asked for but thank you. A little bit of love, goes a long way. We want peace. #illridewithyou Always. — Mohammed Ansar (@MoAnsar) December 15, 2014
The campaign comes as Sydney authorities killed an Iranian refugee who held more than a dozen people hostage inside a Lindt Chocolat Café in Sydney's financial district. The brutal 16-hour siege ended with three people being killed, including the gunman and two hostages.
Love this ..don't let the world turn on a faith because of sick individuals using it as their excuse #illridewithyou pic.twitter.com/KwcoW4dlr7
— Adam Brooks (@EssexPR) December 15, 2014
