As sunset approached in the south-western Sydney suburb of Lakemba last week, the streets outside the Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb Mosque filled with thousands of individuals enjoying a community Iftar—a meal marking the end of daily fasting during Ramadan.
This gathering, while festive, was underscored by a backdrop of increasing Islamophobia in Australia. An average of 18 Islamophobic incidents occur each week, a stark rise from prior averages. Following significant geopolitical events, particularly the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, reported incidents surged by 636%.
Despite the family-friendly atmosphere of the Iftar, a police surveillance trailer and heightened security reflected the community's concerns post-recent threats. Gamel Kheir, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association, expressed the challenges faced: We are going through very challenging times at the moment for the Muslim community and Australia in general. If ever there was a need for communities to come together and break bread, I would say this year is more important than ever.
Participants shared traditional foods and stories, reinforcing community bonds. In Lakemba, a neighbourhood known for its diversity and Muslim majority, locals find both comfort and anxiety in their cultural identity, especially with the rise in negative sentiments directed toward Muslims.
Overall, as Australia celebrates its cultural richness, many Muslims feel increasingly marginalized. Kheir emphasized that the notion of a 'fair go for all' is at risk as societal divisions worsen. The sentiment of unity expressed at the Iftar illustrates both the strength of the community and the urgent need for dialogue against hate.
