In the wake of the Sydney church stabbing, we must stand united against hate and intolerance | Gamel Kheir
As I reflect on the tragic events involving the stabbing of the Assyrian Orthodox bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel while presenting a sermon in his church in south-western Sydney, I am filled with a profound sense of sorrow and concern for the state of our society.
This senseless act of violence, labelled as an act of terrorism by authorities, raises questions about radicalisation and the vulnerability of young people within our communities.
It is imperative that we, as a society, come together to condemn such acts of violence and strive for greater understanding and communication between religious groups.
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The Lebanese Muslim Association is Australia’s oldest not-for-profit Islamic organisation, owner and curator of Australia’s most iconic masjid, Lakemba mosque. We stand firmly in advocating for calmness and unity in these turbulent times.
The teenager allegedly responsible for this horrific attack had shown no signs of expressing increasingly radical views. I sat with his devastated parents for several hours; his father was in shock.
They told me that other than being increasingly disobedient to his parents, there were no telltale signs at home that the boy was troubled. This highlights broader questions surrounding the need for vigilance and, if required, intervention.
Who are our kids associating with, who are they talking to online and what are they reading and watching?
It is troubling to think of the possibility that young individuals can be led astray by radical ideologies, posing a threat not only to themselves but to society as a whole.
In response to this pressing issue, the LMA is taking proactive steps – hopefully with government assistance – to establish a special youth hub where vulnerable young Muslims can seek guidance and support from senior counsellors and clerics.
It is only through mutual respect and understanding that we can overcome the forces of extremism
This initiative aims to provide a safe space for open dialogue and mentorship. But addressing issues like radicalisation require a collective effort from all sectors of society.
We must recognise the signs of vulnerability in troubled youth and provide them with the necessary support and guidance to steer them away from extremist ideologies.
And while it is essential to acknowledge the gravity of such acts of violence, it is equally important to avoid rushing to judgment and labelling them as terrorist acts without thorough investigation. The authorities declared this stabbing a terrorist act within 18 hours of it taking place – why the rush?
We must strive for balance and fairness in our assessments, ensuring that justice is served without exacerbating tensions or prejudice.
Furthermore, the rise of social media threats against religious institutions, such as the threats to firebomb Lakemba mosque and other Sydney masjids, underscores the need for increased vigilance and security measures.
We cannot allow fear and division to prevail; instead, we must stand united against hatred and intolerance.
These are challenging times. Let’s all remember the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of adversity.
We are a multicultural society enriched by diversity, and it is only through mutual respect and understanding that we can overcome the forces of extremism and build a brighter future for everyone.
I urge the wider Australian community to remain vigilant and united against radicalisation and violence.
Together, we can uphold the values of peace, tolerance and harmony that define our nation and ensure that Australia remains a symbol of unity and inclusivity for future generations.
Gamel Kheir is the secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association