You are always welcome here: FB’s Zuckerberg reassures Muslims

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg took to his social media site to extend his support to Muslims in the wake of Republican hopeful for the US presidency, Donald Trump, causing an uproar by calling a ban on Muslims travelling to the US.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg took to his social media site to extend support to Muslims in the wake of Republican hopeful for US presidency, Donald Trump, causing an uproar by calling a ban on Muslims travelling to the US.

File photo of Mark Zuckerberg, president, founder and CEO of Facebook. Zuckerberg has come out in support of Muslims after Donald Trump, a Republican hopeful for the US presidency, called for a ban on entry of Muslims in USA. (Reuters)

“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,” he said in a post, adding that he wanted to protect the rights of Muslims, and that they should not fear being “persecuted for the actions of others.”

“If you’re a Muslim in this community, as the leader of Facebook I want you to know that you are always welcome here and that we will fight to protect your rights and create a peaceful and safe environment for you,” Zuckerberg wrote.

Trump, whose comments stoked international outrage, currently leads Republican polls by double digit margins over his nearest rivals. Fellow GOP candidates were among those condemning his plan, but senior party figures have refused to throw Trump under the bus, or even rule out voting for him.

“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.”