PORTLAND, Oregon – In paying back and honoring the Portland heroes, Islamic groups have raised nearly half-a-million dollars for the men killed in Portland MAX train incident, while trying to defend Muslim women from a racist attack.

“Our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: “Have mercy to those on earth, and the One in Heaven (God) will have mercy upon you.” The Prophet’s life exemplified that central commandment in the Qur’an: “Repel evil with that which is better” (41:34),” the organizers said, the Independent reported on Wednesday, May 31.

Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche and Ricky John Best were killed and a third man seriously injured when they attempted to defend two teenage girls who were being racially abused on a train last week.

After the attack, Muslim Education Trust and CelebrateMercy started a crowdfunding campaign for the victims in order to “respond to hate with love”.

The initial target of $60,000 was raised within five hours, after which target was raised up so the rest of the funds would be used for long term expenses, such as supporting Best’s four children through college.

If sufficient funds remain, they will go towards establishing a scholarship fund to increase access to education.

The Portland attacker, Jeremy Christian, appeared in Multnomah County court earlier this week, where he faced charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon, and intimidation.

He shouted: “Free speech or die, Portland. You got no safe place. This is America – get out if you don’t like free speech.”

Asha Deliverance, the mother of Namkai-Meche, has written an open letter calling on Donald Trump to address Islamophobia.

“You have said that you will be President for all Americans. So, I ask you Mr. President to take action at this time. Your words and actions are meaningful, here in America and throughout the world,” she said.