The arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne on Friday 6 December 2024 has shocked communities across Australia, with leaders from various faiths, including Muslim groups, strongly condemning the act and calling for the perpetrators to be swiftly brought to justice.
However in the wake of the synagogue attack, NSW Senator Dave Sharma sparked outrage by dismissing Islamophobia as “fictitious,” a statement that has been widely condemned. Nora Amath, Executive Director of the Islamophobia Register, criticised Sharma’s remarks, stating they undermine the lived experiences of Australian Muslims.
Senator Dave Sharma.
“For politicians to dismiss Islamophobia as ‘fictitious’ emboldens perpetrators and discourages meaningful action to address the issue,” Amath said. She pointed to an alarming rise in Islamophobic incidents, including:
- A Muslim woman attacked in Adelaide, having her headscarf ripped off while shopping with her baby.
- A Muslim man physically assaulted in Queensland while protecting his mother from verbal abuse.
- Graffiti glorifying the Christchurch mosque shooter found at the University of Melbourne.
The Islamophobia Register has reported a surge in incidents, with weekly reports increasing sixfold since late 2023. “Sadly, incidents of Islamophobia do not generate the same levels of publicity as other forms of discrimination,” Amath added.
While anti-Semitic attacks are widely and rightly condemned, Muslim leaders argue that Islamophobia often receives insufficient attention from politicians and the media.
Bilal Rauf, a senior advisor at the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), described Sharma’s comments as “deeply concerning” and called for a unified approach against all hate crimes.
“This is a time for unity, not division. Whether it’s antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any other act of hatred, we must stand together as a society,” Bilal said.
The Alliance Against Islamophobia echoed these sentiments, criticising the government’s perceived double standards in addressing discrimination. “The disparity in responses undermines the Muslim community’s experiences and perpetuates a narrative that some forms of bigotry are more serious than others,” a spokesperson said.
Muslim leaders have highlighted the Islamic principle of protecting places of worship and the importance of standing against all forms of hate.
“Islam teaches us to safeguard all places of worship, regardless of faith. This attack is not only a crime against the Jewish community but a violation of our shared humanity,” said Imam Rashid Khan from the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV).
While promptly condemning the Synagogue attacks, President of The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), Dr Jneid said, “Such acts of hatred and violence must be met with a swift and firm response from law enforcement. We urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
The condemnation comes amid heightened concerns about the rise of anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents in Australia. The attack has drawn attention to the need for unity against all forms of hate, with leaders calling for action to address bigotry and violence targeting religious communities.
Muslim leaders have drawn attention to historical periods of coexistence between Muslims and Jews, particularly during the Islamic Golden Age when Jewish communities flourished under Muslim rule. These examples highlight the potential for mutual respect and understanding between faiths, even in challenging times.
“History shows us that Muslims and Jews can live together in harmony. We must remember these lessons and work towards a future of unity and respect,” said Imam Jamal Abdullah.
Leaders from the Muslim community emphasised that all hate crimes must be condemned, irrespective of the target’s race or religion. “Attacks on synagogues, mosques, or any other sacred spaces are crimes against humanity. We must unite in rejecting such acts,” Imam Abdullah added.
The broader community has also echoed this sentiment. The Australian National Imams Council called for stronger measures to combat both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, urging leaders to avoid divisive rhetoric.
The attack on the synagogue, alongside the surge in Islamophobic incidents, highlights the urgent need for policies that address all forms of discrimination equally. Education, interfaith dialogue, and robust legal protections are critical to fostering a safe and inclusive society.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue attack and announced funding for security upgrades at Jewish schools and community centres. However, Muslim leaders have called for similar initiatives to address Islamophobia, ensuring that all communities feel supported.
As Australia navigates these challenges, community leaders stress the importance of unity and mutual understanding. “We must stand together against hate in all its forms. Only through solidarity can we build a society that values and protects every individual,” Nora said.
By addressing all forms of hate with equal urgency and commitment, Australia has the opportunity to reaffirm its values of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.
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