The Islamophobia Register Australia (The Register) extends its deepest condolences to the victims, family members and all those affected by the tragic mass stabbing incident at Bondi, Sydney on Saturday afternoon. The Register also extends its deepest condolences to the Church community of the Wakely’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church and the Assyrian community more broadly, after a shocking incident at the Church last night where four people including a Bishop were alleged to have been stabbed.
Law enforcement has not yet provided clarity on the motive of either of these terrible incidents and the Register will not speculate.
However, the Register was deeply concerned after the Bondi attack at the level of Islamophobic and anti-Semitic speculation that occurred.
Such accusations were baseless and caused further social damage and suspicion to an already grieving and frightened society.
Information later emerged that in fact a Muslim security guard was killed in the course of trying to protect the public from the attacker.
In the wake of this latest Church attack we are seeing further divisiveness and hate-filled rhetoric.
There is absolutely no place in Australia for hatred towards any religious group – whether it be against Muslims, Christians or Jews. All of these forms of hatred are corrosive and divisive and must be called out.
The Register’s Executive Director Sharara Attai stated:
‘’Both of these incidents are horrific and occurred at places where everyone should feel safe. Our prayers are with all the victims and loved ones of both incidents.
The rise in divisive rhetoric that we’re seeing as a result of these attacks is deeply troubling and we urge everyone to remain calm and avoid hate towards any group.’’
The Register encourages all Australians to reject division and come together and support one another in these difficult times.
The Register also encourages the community to cooperate with law enforcement and first responders as they try to keep the public safe in the coming days.
These events were abhorrent and the Register acknowledges the impact they are having on many Australians.
The Register encourages any struggling Australians to seek mental health support.
Relevant services include Lifeline: 13 11 14 and Hayat Line (service for Australian Muslims): 1300 993 398.
How does the Islamophobia Register Australia respond to the recent tragic incidents in Bondi, Sydney, and the Wakely’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church?