Like many in the Eastside, I was shocked and disheartened by the news the Islamic Center of Eastside in Bellevue burned down early Saturday morning, January 14th. Fortunately, no one was at the mosque at the time of the fire with the exception of the arson, who is in custody and unharmed.
Though I haven’t been able to get in touch with any mosque board members, it is important I use this platform to encourage us to rally together as an accepting community to show support and love for our neighbors. There has been an outpouring of kindness with flowers and balloons strewn along the sidewalk in front of the mosque showing everyone who passes the unity and encouragement we need.
There is more we can do to help them recuperate. Within a week, the Islamic Center has received nearly 280k of their 500k goal in donations on LaunchGood, but they need more to rebuild. Tax-deductible donations are currently being accepted through February 14th and can be made here.
Please give what you can, or spread the word on social media or tell a friend! Any bit helps!
"Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
