An entire New York subway car just worked together to remove anti-semitic graffiti

Trigger warning: This article contains depictions of anti-semitic graffiti messages. Please stop now if this is concerning for you. 

We know we’re living in pretty contentious times right now. In addition to a massive controversy over the politics in the US and throughout Europe, which is plenty to deal with, hate crimes are also on the rise. If you’re like us, you’re spending anxious hours wondering what we can do, if we can make a meaningful difference, and if we’re truly being overwhelmed by hatred and bigotry. Well, it turns out there’s at least one thing you can do to help: bring hand sanitizer.

A group of New Yorkers recently found themselves in a train covered with anti-semitic graffiti.

Gregory Locke, an NY resident, quickly shared his story with Facebook about the events that transpired when the passengers saw what surrounded them.

The train was silent as everyone stared at each other, uncomfortable and unsure what to do.

Luckily, someone took a stand.

As Gregory recounts, someone realized the graffiti was written in sharpie, and was smart enough to know that alcohol will wipe it off.

One guy got up and said, "Hand sanitizer gets rid of Sharpie. We need alcohol." He found some tissues and got to work. I've never seen so many people simultaneously reach into their bags and pockets looking for tissues and Purel. Within about two minutes, all the Nazi symbolism was gone.

The photos Gregory shared are totally inspiring.

Seeing the people, strangers with a common purpose, working together to rid their city of a little hate is a beautiful and necessary reminder that none of us are alone out there.

You can read Gregory’s entire post below:

It is always good to remember, America is not just hate speech and hateful rhetoric. It is also a place where people can come together to do the real work, Purell and all, to move us forward as a nation.