“This is my Australia. Being a Muslim, this hashtag is the best thing (that) happened today. I love you Australia. #illridewithyou,” posted Twitter user, @Atozai (aka, Arif).

The social media hashtag #illridewithyou has gone viral following the ongoing hostage siege in Sydney’s central business district.

The siege was marked by footage of hostages apparently being made to hold a black flag, featuring a white Islamic inscription, up to the window of the café where they were being held by a gunman.

Islamic Australians expressed fears of a racially motivated public backlash against their fellow Muslims, but social media users were quick to come out in their support with a wave of tweets.

The Twitter hashtag #illridewithyou was apparently instigated by user @SirTessa who offered to accompany a Muslim commuter on the number 373 bus from Coogee to Martin Place.

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) December 15, 2014

Maybe start a hashtag? What’s in #illridewithyou? — Sir Tessa (@sirtessa) December 15, 2014

The tag was quickly copied by fellow users and trended through the Twittersphere around Australia and the world, with many Aussies saying the anti-bigotry response has made them proud.

So much love and compassion seen from the community. This makes my heart soar. Proud to be an Aussie. #IllRideWithYou pic.twitter.com/fNVchI0DGv — Bella Nguyen (@Bella_Carter1) December 15, 2014

This is my Australia. Being a Muslim this hashtag is the best thing happened today. I Love You Australia. #illridewithyou — Arif (@Atozai) December 15, 2014

Loving how the world is fighting terrorism & extremism through love. #illridewithyou — Sarah #Libya (@SarahFighi) December 15, 2014

Reading this post makes me cry.. I know that there are a lot more good people than lunatic ones. #illridewithyou pic.twitter.com/1CRskLgYXd — ienas Tsuroiya (@tsuroiya) December 15, 2014

#IllRideWithYou: Sydney Stands Up To Racism And Bigotry With One Beautiful Hashtag pic.twitter.com/Exn8kz7Sml — Andrew Stroehlein (@astroehlein) December 15, 2014

I’ll be driving to Sydney airport at 5:30am tomorrow to do drop off. Happy to drop any incoming afraid passengers home. #illridewithyou — …. (@laurenaustin_) December 15, 2014

im not an aussie but i seriously have so much respect for you guys! #illridewithyou this is the real Islam pic.twitter.com/OQ0L5biSbA — saja (@icupcakestyles) December 15, 2014

#IllRideWithYou shows support for Australian Muslims as #SydneySiege drags on pic.twitter.com/0YTlPrY8mh — NBC News (@NBCNews) December 15, 2014

Terrorism seeks to force action out of fear and hate–not reason or justice. #Australia teaching world about strength today #illridewithyou — Nathan Martin (@nathanmart) December 15, 2014

By midnight on Monday, the #illridewithyou hashtag had been used over 100,000 times on Twitter.

Also see: Sydney hostage siege LATEST: live updates