Muslim-American community raises nearly five times original goal for synagogue shooting victims

The Muslim-American community has raised over $120,000 for the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in just two days, nearly five times the original goal.

The crowdfunding campaign on LaunchGood, a Muslim-focused fundraising website, started with a $25,000 goal, which has increased to $125,000 as it gains traction.

{mosads}The funds raised are expected to go to help the families of the 11 victims pay for funeral expenses, and to cover medical bills for others injured in the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday.

“The Muslim-American community extends its hands to help the shooting victims, whether it is the injured victims or the Jewish families who have lost loved ones,” the fundraising page reads.

As of Monday midday, the fundraiser had received $120,863 from 2,813 supporters.

It was started by Celebrate Mercy and MPower Change, two nonprofit organizations, that are partnering with the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh to distribute the funds.

Wasi Mohamed, the executive director of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, spoke at a community event on Sunday night and announced the campaign had reached $70,000 at that point.

He also offered the protection of the Pittsburgh Jewish community on behalf of the city’s Muslim community, even offering to stand outside religious services for protection.

An update on the LaunchGood page noted that the first $25,000 raised had been transferred to the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh “to immediately begin disbursing help to the families.”