Pittsburgh shooting: Muslim groups raise $150,000 to cover funeral costs for victims in just 48 hours

Community members hold candles at a vigil for the victims of the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting
AFP/Getty Images
Olivia Tobin31 October 2018

Two Muslim-led groups have managed to raise $150,000 (£117,553) to cover the funeral costs of all 11 victims of the deadly Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.

The two groups reached a goal of $25,000 in the first six hours after starting their fundraising efforts.

The $150,000 sum was reached in just 48 hours. 3,600 kind donors stumped up cash.

Groups Celebrate Mercy and MPPower Change launched the fundraiser on the site LaunchGood and have said some of the money is already on its way to families.

Pallbearers carry a casket following the funeral for brothers Cecil Rosenthal and David Rosenthal
AFP/Getty Images

Their fundraising efforts follow America’s worst act of anti-Semitic violence in recent years , where 11 people, mostly elderly, lost their lives in a mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue, in Pittsburgh.

A vigil has already been held for the victims and was attended by more than 1,000 mourners.

Founder of Celebrate Mercy, Tarek El-Messidi, said the fundraiser welcomed contributions from donors regardless of faith.

People attend an Interfaith Prayer Vigil at Central Synagogue in New York to honor 11 victims of the mass shooting
EPA

Linda Sarsour, the co-founder of MPower Change, told CBS News: “Initially it was intended to be a gesture of solidarity. We wanted to give more than just ‘thoughts and prayers’.”

Mr El Messidi added: “Right now, because in Jewish tradition funerals happen right away, the priority is to help with funeral expenses.”

He said that Jewish funerals in Pittsburgh usually cost about $10,000, and is hopeful the group can provide a helping hand for all those affected.

A mourner before the funeral services for brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal
AP

Josh Sayles, director of the Jewish Federation's community relations council, praised the groups for their help.

He said: “Pittsburgh is such a tight knit community and the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh are true friends of the Jewish community here.

“They have stepped up for us in countless ways. There's few things keeping us going right now, but this is at the top of the list."

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