Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg offers support to Muslims who fear backlash over extremist acts

SAN FRANCISCO – Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is offering words of support for Muslims who fear retaliation for the recent violent attacks by Islamic extremists in Paris and San Bernardino.

In the wake of those attacks, Zuckerberg wrote on his personal Facebook page Wednesday that he wants to assure Muslims they are welcome on Facebook and that “we will fight to protect your rights and create a peaceful and safe environment for you.”

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has proposed barring all Muslims from entering the United States. Other political leaders have condemned Trump’s proposal as discriminatory.

Zuckerberg did not refer specifically to any proposal, but the co-founder of the world’s biggest social network said, “As a Jew, my parents taught me that we must stand up against attacks on all communities.”