Astorians Use #StandWithSarker Hashtag to Spread Messages of Tolerance

Astoria residents have been turning to social media this week with the hashtag #StandWithSarker — an effort to show solidarity with Sarker Haque, the local store owner who was beaten earlier this week by a man he says proclaimed "I kill Muslims" during the attack.

Comedian Ted Alexandro offered his support.

This week Sarker Haque, owner of Fatima Food Mart in Astoria and a Muslim, was attacked and beaten by a customer in his...
Posted by Ted Alexandro on Thursday, December 10, 2015

Facebook/tedalexandro

The comic — who is also an Astoria resident — paid a visit to Haque at his store, Fatima Food Mart on 21st Street and 23rd Avenue.

Local kids drew pictures to cheer Haque up.

This is Sarker. His shop is two blocks from our house. When our neighborhood heard he was attacked yesterday by a...
Posted by Natalie Arneson on Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Facebook/nataliearneson

Others made posters to let Haque know, "You're wanted here."

Astoria ended the day meditating for peace. #standwithsarker #islamaphobia #peace #love pic.twitter.com/1lhLBcdLVt
— Dega Omar (@degamuna) December 11, 2015

Twitter/@degamuna

One man even brought flowers.

#FatimaFoodMart on 21st ave and 23rdst in the Astoria today. So many came out 2 stand against hate #Standwithsarker pic.twitter.com/uTw9vXsmr6
— Dega Omar (@degamuna) December 10, 2015

Twitter/@degamuna

And local cafe Tea + Milk delivered some of their teas to Haque.

We #standwithsarker because we believe in love! Delivered teas to him, hoping it will soothe his stress! #Astoria show him some love!
— Tea and Milk (@teaandmilk) December 10, 2015

Twitter/teaandmilk

The responses inspired some neighborhood pride.

Proud to live in #Astoria where hate is not welcome! #StandWithSarker
— Kate Walbert (@Kate_Walbert) December 10, 2015

Twitter/@Kate_Walbert

Astoria & Long Island City

Crime & Mayhem

Religion

Astorians Use #StandWithSarker Hashtag to Spread Messages of Tolerance

Comedian Ted Alexandro offered his support.

Local kids drew pictures to cheer Haque up.

Others made posters to let Haque know, "You're wanted here."

One man even brought flowers.

And local cafe Tea + Milk delivered some of their teas to Haque.

The responses inspired some neighborhood pride.

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