The October long weekend from Saturday 5 to Monday 7 October 2024 showcased a number of community events in Sydney marking the year long genocide of Palestinians and the atrocities being committed by Israel in Gaza, West Bank and Lebanon.
The two day 2nd IFAM annual National Convention from Saturday 5 to Sunday 6 October attracted thousands of people at Rosehill Gardens listening to speakers in support of the Palestinian cause while tens of thousands gathered in Sydney city on Sunday in protest marches to call for a halt on Israeli aggression followed by a vigil at Sydney Town Hall on Monday 7 October remembering almost 50,000 killed in Gaza.
The Australian Forum for Australian Muslims (IFAM), a grass root non-profit national organisation held its 2nd annual national convention with the theme ‘Faith, Unity & Justice’ with cooperation from Muslim organisations, institutions and businesses bringing together distinguished local and international speakers including scholars, politicians, activists as well as delegates from all around Australia.
This convention followed on from its groundbreaking First National Convention last year that brought together Australian Muslims from diverse backgrounds to explore the multifaceted theme of the convention “Australian Diversity: Challenges and Opportunities.”
With the ongoing genocide in Gaza and Israel’s cruel and relentless attacks in West Bank and in Lebanon, a number of speakers called on Muslim to show solidarity against the Zionist onslaught and called on the Australian government to divest from its support for Israel.
On the first day of the convention, a diversity of speakers including ministers and politicians from all three levels of government, community leaders and scholars addressed the audience, many of them highlighting the war in the Middle East and the plight of civilians under brutal attacks by the Israeli war machine.
Muslim politicians from all three levels of government acknowledged their support for Palestine and assured the Muslim community that they are and will be advocating for their support for Palestinian people and advocacy for their human rights and self determination.
Senator Fatima Payman addressed a full house at the convention on the second day narrating her political journey and gave a glimpse of her future directions in politics followed by a lively Q&A session with the most enthusiastic audience.
A number of delegates from New Zealand, North America, Europe and South Asia also attended the IFAM Convention and addressed the audience introducing their organisations and sharing their experience of community building.
A breakfast reception for overseas and local community leaders and interstate delegates was held on Sunday morning 6 October at Mercure Hotel in Parramatta where a number of speakers highlighted the challenges of Islamophobia from Zionist, Hindutva and White Supremacist attacks on Islam and Muslims.
The 2- day 2nd IFAM National Convention was attended by Australians, regardless of their background and experienced the unique environment of peace and security while listening to enlightened addresses by a wide range of speakers including:
- Sami Hamdi (via Video Link): Sami Hamdi is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Interest, Managing Director of the International Interest, a global risk and intelligence company.
- Mr Rais Khan: A civil engineer and the current President of IFAM, Rais Khan has been an active member of the organization for over 15 years.
- Sheikh Abdool Rahman: A graduate of the Islamic University in Madinah Munawwarah, specializing in Islamic Inheritance. He currently serves as the chairman of the Shari’ah Council of the Islamic Circle of North America.
- Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman: A prominent Imam, community leader, and preacher based in Sydney, Australia. He is the President of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC).
- Sheikh Bilal Dannoun: A renowned Marriage Counselor & Islamic Consultant in Sydney.
- Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim: A specialist in Spirituality and the Qur’an, educated in Tafsir, Fiqh, and Hadith with scholars from Hijaz and Egypt.
- Sheikh Dr Shabbir Ahmed: A prominent Islamic scholar dedicated to providing Islamic service, assistance, and guidance to the Muslim community.
- Sheikhah Umm Jamaal ud-Din: An Australian revert to Islam with a deep understanding of Fiqh and Usul-al Fiqh and a member of the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC).
- Ms Ramia Abdo Sultan: A lawyer, community advocate, and Community Relations Advisor to the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC).
- Mr Waseem Rizvi: The Founder and President of the Islamic Research & Educational Academy (IREA) and an Electronics Engineer by profession.
- Ibrahim Abu Mohamed: An Egyptian-born and educated Islamic scholar and Grand Mufti of Australia.
- Senator Fatima Payman: Independent Senator for Western Australia of Afghan origins.
- Khalid Masood Khan: A respected columnist and poet, known for his thought-provoking writings that explore the complexities of life, politics, and culture.
- The Hon Johad Dib: Member for Bankstown, NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice.
- The Hon Ed Husic: Federal Minister for Industry and Science.
- Councillor Bilal El-Hayek: Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Council
The 2nd IFAM National Convention was sponsored by Five Pearls, Sadaqa, Charity Australia, House of Sakinah, MCCA, Rooty Hills Masjid, Low Cost Housing, ThinkStudio, Blacktown City Council, UAK Design & Construction, ICFAL and K5 Trading. Delhi ‘O’ Delhi was the Food Sponsor while AMUST was the Media Partner.
Video report on the IFAM Convention is available here:
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/10/06/734643/-IFAM-Sydney-Palestine-occupation-resistance
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