Families 'scared to bring children to prayers' as mosque receives third threatening letter
Sydney‘s Lakemba Mosque has received its third threatening letter on the eve of Ramadan, which leaders said has left the Muslim community fearful and anxious.

The Lebanese Muslim Association, which oversees the Lakemba Mosque, reported that they received a letter in the mail today.

Sydney's Lakemba Mosque has received its third threatening letter on the eve of Ramadan, which leaders said has left the Muslim community fearful and anxious.
Sydney’s Lakemba Mosque has received its third threatening letter on the eve of Ramadan. (Supplied)

“This marks the third such letter we have received, and the perpetrator has yet to be identified,” a spokesperson explained.

Lakmeba Mosque has received three threatening letters since January 24, but only one person, a 70-year-old man accused of sending the first letter, has been charged.

The previous letter included a disturbing image of the Lakemba Mosque engulfed in flames with people inside.

This has understandably left the community feeling anxious and fearful, according to the Lebanese Muslim Association.

“Community members have reached out to us, voicing their concerns that an incident may occur, especially considering the prevailing tensions in the wider environment,” the spokesperson noted.

“Families are understandably worried. Parents are apprehensive about bringing their children to prayers. No community in Australia should have to endure such fear,” they added.

Lakemba Mosque received its second threatening letter yesterday afternoon.
The second threatening letter Lakemba Mosque received. (Nine)
The Lebanese Muslim Association urged police to prioritise catching the person responsible due to the ongoing nature of the threats and increased activity during Ramadan. 

“Thousands of families, elderly members and young children will attend nightly prayers. Every Australian should be able to practise their faith safely and without fear,” the spokesperson said. 

The Lebanese Muslim Association has also formally written to the state government to strengthen security measures, including upgraded CCTV and funded security personnel during Ramadan.

NSW government officials are meeting with leaders of the Muslim community today to discuss community safety and other measures. 

Police are investigating and will increase patrols around the Lakemba Mosque, religious sites and community events during the holy month of Ramadan.

Lakemba Mosque
Lakemba Mosque. (Nine)

Police and Counter-Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said community safety was the highest priority for both the police and government.

The Islamophobia Register Australia recorded a 530 per cent increase in Islamophobic incidents and more than 1500 cases reported since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. 

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