Tweeple Slam Sydney Siege Islamophobia With A Powerful Hashtag

NEW DELHI: As a hostage crisis in Sydney’s business district continues, with an armed gunman laying siege to a cafe with at least 20 people trapped inside, many have drawn attention to the attacker’s use of a black flag bearing an Islamic crest.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, whilst reiterating the need for caution, has said that there is a possibility that the attack is “politically motivated.” Although the motive behind the attack and its link to any organised outfit remain unknown, leading Islamic figures have issued condemnations. Australia’s grand mufti, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammad, said he was “devastated” by the news. “The grand mufti and the Australian National Imam Council condemn this criminal act unequivocally and reiterate that such actions are denounced in part and in whole in Islam… We, along with the wide Australian society, await the results of the investigation about the identity of the perpetrators and their underlying motivations behind this criminal act,” a statement said.

However, amidst the comments that the attack is religiously motivated, a campaign that puts things in perspective is gathering steam on social media. #IWillRideWithYou is being tweeted in a show of support to Australia’s Muslim community. In a few hours, the hashtag was tweeted almost 50,000 times.

The campaign began with this thoughtful tweet:

The Tweet was aimed at commuters who may fear a backlash in Australia following the hostage crisis. It was quickly picked up and retweeted several times, with users offering their own support to anyone who felt the need. The hashtag was also used to reiterate messages of peace and tolerance in the wake of the crisis.