Voice of the Jewish News: Thank you, Asma Shuweikh

Parents often say the hardest part of the all-consuming job is that you can’t protect your children from the world.

But you shouldn’t have to prepare them for the devastating notion that on a quiet Friday afternoon on the London Underground a stranger might accost your family and launch into a racist rant, subjecting you and those you care for most to the ignominy of being robbed of your dignity.

Should this happen, however, one can only hope that a brave commuter might revive your faith in humanity and stick up for you, as Asma Shuweikh did.

The 36-year-old mum-of-two from Birmingham, a hijab-wearing hero, was hailed around the world for her actions after footage of the incident was widely shared on social media, a gesture she said was inspired by her faith.

Asma revealed she had been subjected herself to racist abuse in the past, recounting an incident in which a motorist had thrown jelly beans
at her face.

But, while no one stuck up for her then, she still found the inner strength to come to this family’s defence.

Would you?

• Read more – Jewish dad reunites with Muslim woman who confronted his children’s abuser