After concerns that people wearing Islamic dress could be harassed, Sydney locals have been using Twitter to offer to travel with them

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

With hostages still in danger and central Sydney in lockdown, residents have turned to social media to spread a message of tolerance.

Locals have became concerned about the potential for rising intolerance or aggression towards people wearing religious dress.

One woman started what soon blossomed into a social media campaign to stand in solidarity with the city’s Muslims.

Tessa Kum, a TV content editor and writer living in Sydney, told Guardian Australia she acted after seeing a tweet from Michael James:

Michael James (@MichaelJames_TV) This, this is what good people do. #sydneyseige #MartinPlace pic.twitter.com/zxbHLWzxEp

She then posted offering her company to anyone in religious attire on her route.

Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) If you reg take the #373 bus b/w Coogee/MartinPl, wear religious attire, & don’t feel safe alone: I’ll ride with you. @ me for schedule.

Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) Maybe start a hashtag? What’s in #illridewithyou?

Fellow Twitter users swiftly joined in, offering their support.

Lisa Donaldson APD (@Lise_Simpson) #illridewithyou radiates the beauty of Australian mateship. We are many, but together we are one. #sydneysiege pic.twitter.com/cmJonDi7Lc

Others picked a broader context to reinforce the statement.

And, much like the #putoutyourbats tribute to Phillip Hughes, the idea has caught on.