Muslims Welcome And Protected On Facebook, Says Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg is the latest prominent figure to decry anti-Muslim rhetoric in the wake of increasing backlash against Muslims.

"I want to add my voice in support of Muslims in our community and around the world," the Facebook CEO wrote in a post on the social media website on Wednesday afternoon.

While he didn't directly address Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump's call to ban Muslims from entering the United States, he alluded to it in the post:

"After the Paris attacks and hate this week, I can only imagine the fear Muslims feel that they will be persecuted for the actions of others," he wrote.

Zuckerberg also drew on his experience as a Jew and belonging to a persecuted minority as a reason for speaking out on behalf of all faiths.

"As a Jew, my parents taught me that we must stand up against attacks on all communities. Even if an attack isn't against you today, in time attacks on freedom for anyone will hurt everyone," said Zuckerberg.

He went on to say that Muslims would be protected and welcomed on the world's largest social media site.

"If you're a Muslim in this community, as the leader of Facebook I want you to know that you are always welcome here and that we will fight to protect your rights and create a peaceful and safe environment for you," wrote Zuckerberg.

Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, made news recently when they announced that they would donate 99 percent of their Facebook shares -- worth more than $45 billion -- to charity in honor of their new daughter, Max, who was born in November.

Zuckerberg referred to his child again when addressing the backlash Muslims face.

"Having a child has given us so much hope, but the hate of some can make it easy to succumb to cynicism. We must not lose hope," he wrote. "As long as we stand together and see the good in each other, we can build a better world for all people."