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A crowdfunding campaign formed by two Muslim groups has raised more than $180,000 for the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, which killed 11.

Muslim-American non-profits Celebrate Mercy and MPower Change were behind the campaign, “Muslims Unite For Pittsburgh Synagogue.” It is also in partnership with the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh.

The campaign reached its initial goal of $25,000 goal in six hours. As of press time, it raised $183,287, exceeding its $150,000 goal. The proceeds will help with funeral expenses and medical bills.

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“We wish to respond to evil with good, as our faith instructs us, and send a powerful message of compassion through action,” the campaign reads. “Our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: ‘Show mercy to those on earth, and the One in the Heavens will show mercy to you.’ The Quran also teaches us to ‘Repel evil by that which is better’ (41:34).”

Messages of solidarity were shared throughout the day Sunday.

I am an American Jew and just want to say just beautiful. I have great Muslim friends and we celebrate our holidays together in each others home and welcome it too

— Nan Betz (@nan_betz) October 28, 2018

An attack on Jewish Americans is an attack on all of us.

Muslim Americans unite for Pittsburgh Synagogue:https://t.co/TPKY3LVn44

— Shereef Elnahal, MD (@ShereefElnahal) October 27, 2018

Thank you for your kindness and humanity. May it come back to you.

— Elayne Boosler (@ElayneBoosler) October 28, 2018

Solidarity is the answer. Lets @LaunchGood via Muslims Unite for Pittsburgh Synagogue! https://t.co/k43AK4y4ZB

— Dr Karen E. H. Skinazi (@KEHSkinazi) October 28, 2018

PLEASE DONATE IF YOU CAN: Muslims Unite for Pittsburgh Synagogue
Support Shooting Victims with Short-Term Needs (Funeral Expenses, Medical Bills, Etc) #Pittsburgh #WeStandTogether https://t.co/KrzS1RTtQT

— Akeela Ahmed MBE (@AkeelaAhmed) October 27, 2018

Alyssa Fisher is a news writer at the Forward. Email her at [email protected], or follow her on Twitter at @alyssalfisher

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