As sunset approached in the south-western Sydney suburb of Lakemba last week, the street outside the Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb Mosque filled with thousands of people, many seated at trestle tables covered with white tablecloths. The mosque was hosting a community Iftar, the evening meal breaking the daily fast during Ramadan.
Despite the family-friendly atmosphere, a police surveillance trailer parked nearby reflected the fears of community members. The increase in reported Islamophobic incidents, which surged by 636% since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, has led community leaders to request additional police presence during Ramadan.
Gamel Kheir, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association and organizer of the Iftar, stated, 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.
Nationally, Islamophobia is on the rise, with an average of 18 incidents reported per week, a stark increase from previous years. Concurrently, antisemitic incidents have risen significantly, showcasing the troubling racial dynamics at play in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent visit to the Lakemba mosque was met with protests from some attendees, who criticized the government’s stance on Middle Eastern conflicts. These political tensions reflect broader societal divides, as many within the Muslim community feel marginalized amid rising racism.
Lakemba is known as Sydney's heart of Islam, with a diverse Muslim population that feels conflicted about their place in a nation that prides itself on multiculturalism. Many community members feel that despite Australia's diverse fabric, their identities are often questioned and marginalized.
As Kheir coordinated the mass Iftar, he emphasized the importance of unity and resilience amid adversity, questioning the treatment of minorities in Australia. The fair go for all has lessened. Sadly, I believe Australia is going down the path of many Western countries, where the predominant culture is striving to reassert itself at the cost of minorities, he lamented.
This Eid, while the community finds moments of joy and togetherness, the undercurrents of fear and division remind them of the challenges they face as they navigate their identities in contemporary Australia.
