Since a vandal broke into the Islamic Center of Tucson and ripped up copies of the Quran early Monday morning, two GoFundMe campaigns in support of the center have received thousands of dollars in donations.Β
Marty Johnston, a board member at Congregation Anshei Israel, launched a GoFundMe to replace copies of the Quran destroyed in the break-in after his own experience at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road, Friday.Β
"I was on my way to yoga class at the Tucson Jewish Community Center and noticed cars parked in weird spots and a line of cars to get into the parking lot," he says.Β
He couldn't get in. The center was on lock down after the second bomb threat in two weeks. Both ended up getting the all-clear from police.
Then came the break-in at the Islamic Center of Tucson, 901 E. First St.Β
Tucson Police Department spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly BayΒ told the Star Tuesday that although the vandal entered the building illegally, "there's no indication that the incident had hate or bias to it."Β
Tucson police are looking for a suspect that vandalized the Islamic Center of Tucson. Although nothing was stolen, the suspectΒ ripped copies of the Quran and threw them around the building.
Still, the Islamic Center posted on Facebook Tuesday that "the camera footage leads us to believe the sole intent of this individual was to damage the center's religious property."Β
That's what pulled on Johnston's heartstrings. A friend reminded him of the way Muslim communities raised money to repair a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis after headstones were vandalized last month.Β
Tucson Jews could return the favor.Β
So Johnston started a GoFundMe organized by "Tucson's Jews and Other Nice People" to fund the replacement of the center's copies of the Quran. As of Wednesday afternoon, the page had raised $2,600 in 17 hours.Β
"The intent is the overall community in Tucson, especially the Jewish community in Tucson, stands with the Muslim community and we are brothers and sisters," Johnston says. "Also to say, 'Tucson is better than this. Let's undo the damage and show what Tucson stands for and make this right.'"Β
At the time, Johnston didn't realize the Islamic Center had started a GoFundMe of its own to beef up mosque's security. That page had raised about $1,600 of a $12,500 goal Wednesday afternoon.Β
Islamic Center of Tucson, in foreground.
When Johnston spoke with the center Wednesday, he learned that replacing the desecrated texts wasn't the big expense. Instead, the center was concerned about repairing and reinforcing broken doors, upgrading camera surveillance, lighting and the alarm system and adding a security guard to the campus
Johnston says he is working with mosque members to coordinate how the center can best use the money raised, in addition to the Quran purchases.Β
"It's important to note that (GoFundMe) coming from the Jewish community," says Taha Hasan, a spokesman for the center. "It's a big deal since they just had bomb threats at their center, so for them to stand up and support us in a time where they're also being targeted, they're standing up for what's right and we do appreciate that show of action."Β
Hasan added that some of that money could go toward educating the community about the Islamic Center and their faith.Β
"I think it's important to note that while the Jewish and Muslim communities have theological differences and religious differences, and there can be some tough political issues and there hasn't always been friendship ... I think the important thing is to show we can have love and affection and empathy for each other," Johnston says. "Doing the right thing transcends whatever differences we have."Β
Anyone with information about the suspect can call 911 or 88-CRIME.Β
