Facebook CEO offers support for Muslims as Islamophobia increases

Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan with the newly born daughter, Max Chan Zuckerberg. (Mark Zuckerberg via AP)

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared words of support for Muslims who fear retaliation for the recent violent attacks in Paris and San Bernardino.

In the wake of those attacks, Zuckerberg wrote on his personal Facebook page Wednesday that he wants to assure Muslims they are welcome on Facebook and that “we will fight to protect your rights and create a peaceful and safe environment for you”.

“After the Paris attacks and hate this week, I can only imagine the fear Muslims feel that they will be persecuted for the actions of others.

As a Jew, my parents taught me that we must stand up against attacks on all communities. Even if an attack isn’t against you today, in time attacks on freedom for anyone will hurt everyone,” he added.

​Lately, due to the Paris and San Bernardino attacks, Muslims in America and elsewhere have been targeted by public as well as politicians, including Donald Trump who has been quite vocal about his anti-Muslim sentiments, even going as far to propose ban on Muslims entering the United States. Trump’s words garnered him much criticism from political opponents, allies and public alike.

31-year-old founder of Facebook, Zuckerberg, who recently became a father after the birth of his first daughter on December 1, stated how fatherhood has given them hope, saying, “Having a child has given us so much hope, but the hate of some can make it easy to succumb to cynicism. We must not lose hope. As long as we stand together and see the good in each other, we can build a better world for all people.”

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