‘I will ride with you’ - Australians escort Muslim citizens after Sydney siege

In the wake of the Sydney hostage crisis, Australians from all creeds and colours supported Muslim citizens, saying they need not fear being harassed or attacked for their faith.

Anti-Muslim sentiment flared across the nation as images from Australian media showed hostages with their hands pressed against the glass of the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Sydney’s central business district on Monday morning.

They were holding up a black flag with Arabic writing on it reading, “There is no God but God and Mohammed is the prophet of God.” The gunman reportedly was demanding an ISIS flag.

There were fears that Australian Muslims could become the targets of racially motivated retaliatory attacks.

Islamic leaders in Australia condemned the attack, but it was the action of other Australians that really stood out to others online.

Local media reports said the Twitter hashtag "#illridewithyou" started after user @SirTessa offered to ride public transportation alongside anyone wearing religious garments who feared that they would be harassed or singled out as a result of the hostage situation.

She created the hashtag after a veiled woman was abused on public transport during the hostage crisis, local media reports said.

In a few hours, #illridewithyou became the top trending hashtag globally and had been mentioned 150,000 times, including retweets.

“If you need #illridewithyou. I'll even drive you round if you need,” said Amanda from Sydney in twitter.

A Muslim Australian, Mariam Veiszadeh, thanked the ladies who shared a cab with her in the afternoon – “Mica and Dixie, thank you from the bottom of my heart. #illridewithyou”