The heinous terrorist attack on Sydneyβs Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 deaths, was a gruesome, glaring crime against humanity which was universally and unequivocally condemned. The perpetrator was a Hyderabadi, Indian, Naveed Akram, who launched a cowardly assault on the Australian Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah. While this vile act is reprehensible, the crass Islamophobia in Australia that followed was unfathomable and unwarranted. The brazen desecration of mosques and cemeteries from Perth to Sydney took place despite Australian-born, Syrian citizen Ahmed al-Ahmed successfully disarming the terrorist and saving more Australian lives.
The swathe of attacks against the Muslim community, however, has only served to widen cleavages in a country that often prides itself on multiculturalism and pluralism. The attacks also took place despite the Australian Muslim fruit shop owner being hailed by President Anthony Albanese as an example of "Australians" coming to
Continue Reading on Daily Sabah
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.