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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Katie Forster

Jewish activists form protective barrier around Muslims as they protest in front of Trump Tower

Muslims kneeling to pray as part of a protest in front of Trump Tower in New York were joined by Jewish supporters who formed a protective barrier around the crowd.

Around 100 Muslim activists gathered at Donald Trump's business headquarters and former home in Manhattan to break their fast on the sixth day of Ramadan.

They said they had come there to have the first meal eaten after sunset during the Muslim holy month, known as iftar, in protest the US President's divisive policies and rhetoric on Islam.

“Everyday American Muslims are confronted with bigotry and hate while commuting to work and school, applying for jobs, practising their faith and simply living their lives,” Anu Joshi, deputy director of the New York State Immigrant Action Fund, told CNN.

Jewish activists showed solidarity with the protests by protecting those praying before they broke their fast.

“Jews are forming a protective perimeter around our Muslim siblings as they prepare to pray. We keep each other safe,” wrote the group Jews for Racial and Economic Justice on Twitter.

After the prayers, the protesters shared a meal including rice, chicken and pizza.

Executive orders made by Mr Trump barring travel from six predominantly Muslim nations to the US have been blocked by lawyers who say they are discriminatory and unconstitutional.

The President has denied the orders are a “Muslim ban”. Shortly after his inauguration, he called his plans “extreme vetting”.

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