Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek has called out racism and Islamophobia in an inspiring speech on Tuesday 18 March at the Mayor’s Iftar at the Highline Venue in Bankstown while addressing well over 500 guests, including political, religious and business leaders, as well as prominent members of the local community.
Highlight of the Iftar was undoubtedly the Mayor’s impassioned welcoming speech that truly resonated with the audience.
Speaking against rising Islamophobia and the spread of hate, Mayor El-Hayek addressed the challenges faced by the Muslim community, particularly in light of recent global and domestic events.
“As a man who is proud of his Islamic faith, it is an honour to host this great event and to see so many familiar faces coming together in the spirit of unity and community,” he said.
The Mayor extended a warm welcome to imams, mashayekh, other religious leaders, Federal Ministers Tony Burke and Jason Clare, State Minister Jihad Dib, his fellow councillors, law enforcement officials, community organisers, business figures and the media, also pointing out that every single person at the event was a special guest.
He also specifically highlighted the great work of Rosanna Barbero, CEO of the Patterson Rd Community Organisation.
“Rosanna has dedicated her life to charity, organising food hampers and fighting for equity and human rights for all….and despite not being a Muslim, she has fasted throughout Ramadan in solidarity,” he noted.
Mr El-Hayek condemned the recent disproportionate media scrutiny and attacks on the Muslim community, highlighting a 500 per cent increase in Islamophobic incidents.
“If you were following the news, you wouldn’t know that. There has been a clear imbalance in reporting racial abuse.”
“If it didn’t happen in the Eastern Suburbs, then it didn’t happen at all,” he asserted.
He also spoke about a recent Islamophobic comment directed at an Islamic school on his own social media.
“This was meant to ignite unrest and promote fear within our community.”
“Posts like these come from a small minority and do not reflect the views of the tolerant majority.”
The Mayor praised Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke for his long-standing advocacy for the Muslim community, particularly his efforts to protect race and hate speech laws under Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act.
“Tony Burke has spent over 20 years serving this community, always standing by us and for that, we are grateful,” he said.
Mayor El-Hayek drew a direct link between the rise in Islamophobia and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The ceasefire in January came only after tens of thousands were killed, thousands were injured, and millions were left homeless as Gaza was levelled.”
“Just hours ago, hundreds more Palestinians were killed,” he said, before asking the gathering to stand for a minute’s silence.
Acknowledging the emotional toll of these events, he continued, “This is a challenging time that is testing our resilience; many in this room have family, friends and loved ones directly affected.”
In response to critics who argue that councils should focus solely on local issues, Mr El-Hayek declared, “With over 60 percent of our residents having overseas roots, there is an overwhelming humanitarian argument that we must do both.”
“We are getting on with the job; our master plan for the Bankstown CBD has been gazetted by the state government, which will deliver 14,000 new homes.”
“The recent roadworks and beautification in the Bankstown CBD are preparing for the new $1.3 billion Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital.”
He reminded the audience that the success of a city is measured by the character of its people.
“Great cities aren’t defined by how tall their buildings are or how wealthy some individuals might be: they are about the heart and soul of the people.”
Ending on a powerful note, he declared, “As we break fast tonight, let us remember: there is no place for racism, and there is no place for Islamophobia.”
His words were later reinforced by Deputy Mayor Khodr Saleh, another vocal supporter of Gaza.
The pair were among the major driving forces behind Canterbury-Bankstown Council’s decision to raise the Palestinian flag in support of the people of Gaza in late 2023, the first of only two of Australia’s 537 Local Government Areas to do so.
Earlier, Sheikh Yahya Safi, Imam of the local, iconic Lakemba Mosque, addressed the gathering, reminding attendees of the purpose of fasting.
“Allah said in the Quran that fasting is prescribed to achieve piety and righteousness.”
“It is a challenge for us to change and become the best version of ourselves,” he said.
Sheikh Safi urged the community to remain steadfast in their faith, stating, “Goodness is the only path to tranquility in this life.”
The 2025 Mayor’s Iftar wasn’t just a communal gathering, but a rallying call against hate and injustice.
It served as a poignant reminder of the strength and unity within the Muslim community, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
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