Even though the holidays are fast approaching and a lot of things are starting to slow down in anticipation, the news last week definitely didn’t. The beginning of the week saw the aftermath of a tragic hostage situation in Sydney, Australia, and the Sony hack continued to dominate the news cycle for the rest of the week. Our number one story this week was by Hannah R. Winsten, who wrote about Australia’s amazing response to the horrifying hostage crisis. The number two spot went to Ashley Shaw, with a piece on an off-duty cop arresting a man for stealing his parking spot. Finally, number three went to Anneliese Mahoney, who wrote about the continuing Sony Hacking scandal. ICYMI: check out what everyone was reading on Law Street last week.

#1 Australians School the World on How To Not Be Racist

This is a terrible, awful thing that happened in Sydney, and I think it’s safe to say that our hearts are collectively with the hostages and their families. However, the people of Sydney are handling this tragedy remarkably well. And I mean like, really, REALLY well. People of the United States—and actually, the whole rest of the world—take note. Read the full article here.

#2 Off-Duty Cop Arrests Man for Taking Parking Spot

Frank Maio saw what my sisters would tell you was Princess Parking out in front of a Deerfield Beach shoe store. (Princess Parking, as defined by Urban Dictionary, is “just like rock star parking or prime parking; when one finds the perfect parking spot, right next to or in front of the entrance to wherever he or she is going.”) But when he went to claim the spot, something horrible occurred: Clausel Pierre pulled into the spot first! Read the full article here.

#3 Disturbing New Developments in the Continuing Sony Hacking Scandal

Another day, another leak. It seems like the leaking of some information to do with Hollywood–whether it be nude photos, salaries, or emails–happens on pretty much a weekly basis now. However, this leak from entertainment super-company Sony is probably going to go down in history to top all others. And I don’t think it’s quite done spitting out Hollywood gossip and insider information. Read the full article here.

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.

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Folks, Christmas is right around the corner. Unlike my awesome, totally not annoying friend on Facebook who has had a daily countdown to Christmas going since like, October (I shit you not), I am kind of freaking out right now.

Oh come on, like you aren’t. Gift buying is hard.

However! Despite the stress of Christmas money-spending and family-schmoozing, there is some holiday time awesomeness happening in the world this week.

And it’s happening in—wait for it…

Australia!

The land of terrifying spiders and other freakishly large insects is setting a really great example for the rest of the world this week, as they respond to the hostage crisis that’s currently unfolding in Sydney.

In case you haven’t been following the news, Man Haron Monis, an Iranian political refugee, held 17 hostages at gunpoint inside a Lindt Chocolat Café in downtown Sydney early Monday morning. After 16 hours, Australian police stormed the café.

Three people were killed—Monis being one of them—and four were injured. Monis had an extensive prior record with law enforcement in Sydney, and officials currently believe he acted alone.

This is a terrible, awful thing that happened in Sydney, and I think it’s safe to say that our hearts are collectively with the hostages and their families.

However.

The people of Sydney are handling this tragedy remarkably well. And I mean like, really, REALLY well. People of the United States—and actually, the whole rest of the world—take note.

Here’s what’s happening.

Muslims in Sydney were feeling understandably concerned about their safety in the aftermath of this hostage crisis. In countries like the U.S., every time Muslims are in the news, for literally any reason—whether it’s a terrorist attack or an innocent debate about where to build a new mosque—anti-Muslim hate crimes increase.

So, to recap, whenever Americans are reminded that there are Muslims among them, they start attacking them at significantly higher rates.

Seriously, guys? This is some racist bullshit. Stop it.

But, in Sydney, they tend to handle things a little better. Or, you know, a LOT better. Instead of attacking Muslim Australians or vandalizing their homes, businesses, and mosques, non-Muslims in Sydney decided to step up and protect their fellow residents.

A Twitter hashtag, #IllRideWithYou, started when a single, non-Muslim person offered to walk with a woman wearing a Hijab who presumably felt unsafe.

Muslim removed her hijab, out of fear. Passenger told her to put it back on and offered to walk w her #IllRideWithYou http://t.co/h3uGyTjUmC

— Jeremy Duncan (@duncanjeremy) December 15, 2014

Tweets started to follow, as other non-Muslims throughout Sydney started to post their commuting routes, offering to ride with any Muslims in religious clothing who were concerned about their safety.  

Anybody concerned for their safety going to work in Brisbane tomorrow morning from the Northside, #illridewithyou — Ben Clark (@scouse_roar) December 15, 2014

If you wear religious attire, & need to get from #Adelaide‘s west suburbs to the city on Tues but don’t want to travel alone #illridewithyou

— Sharna Bremner (@sharnatweets) December 15, 2014

Practical thing: I’ve made a temporary sticker for my bag so people who need me can spot me #illridewithyou pic.twitter.com/aVldEn9wVU — Kristen Boschma (@Kristen_Boschma) December 15, 2014

The hashtag has since gone viral, and that’s really fucking awesome.

#illridewithyou anytime. This campaign makes me proud to be an Aussie in the face of something truly… http://t.co/YDsD8FC1VE

— Ms Darlinghurst (@msdarlinghurst) December 15, 2014

“Small acts, if multiplied by millions, can transform the world”#illridewithyou [pic] — https://t.co/NrF8jgNW5A — Linda Sjahreza (@lindasjahreza) December 15, 2014

The people of Sydney are using social media to let Muslims in their communities know that they’re safe in their homes and on the streets. No need to fear retaliation in the name of this hostage crisis—the people of Australia understand that the actions of one disturbed human being don’t translate to an entire religion of people who have nothing to do with him.

For those who still struggle, here’s a better illustration. #illridewithyou pic.twitter.com/5DiHn6BfS3

— Junaid (@Its_JunaidS) December 15, 2014

In short, Australians are responding to the Lindt hostage crisis by doing the opposite of what many Americans would do.

They’re being actively anti-racist.

I’ll be in the city/Craigieburn line/59 tram today with this on. Sorry the writing isn’t very big! #illridewithyou pic.twitter.com/GCJ6sjCgvo

— Neezus. (@thatnem0kid) December 15, 2014

So, people of Sydney, we salute you. You’re restoring our collective faith in humanity today. Keep being awesome.

Everyone else—let’s follow Sydney’s example, mmkay?

Hannah R. Winsten

Hannah R. Winsten is a freelance copywriter, marketing consultant, and blogger living in New York’s sixth borough. She hates tweeting but does it anyway. She aspires to be the next Rachel Maddow. Contact Hannah at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

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