A disturbing incident unfolded at the Lakemba Mosque yesterday, where a threatening illustration was received, depicting the mosque engulfed in flames with people inside. Accompanying the image were the menacing phrases “burn them out,” “human waste preach here,” “filth,” and “scum.”
The police have launched an investigation into this matter, and the letter has been handed over for forensic analysis to track down those responsible for this hateful act.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has reached out to the affected community, expressing his support and reiterating the government’s stance against Islamophobia. In a statement released last night, Minns emphasized the need for everyone to practice their faith freely, without fear or intimidation.
“I have spoken with the Lebanese Muslim Association to convey my solidarity following the threats made against Lakemba Mosque,” Minns stated. “Attending a place of worship should be safe and free from fear.”
He further assured, “The NSW government is committed to condemning Islamophobia, as well as all forms of racism and religious hatred, whenever and wherever they occur.”
“The NSW government will continue to call out Islamophobia wherever it occurs, just as we will continue to call out racism and all forms of religious hatred.”
It was the second threatening letter the Lakemba Mosque had received in a fortnight.
A 70-year-old man accused of sending the first letter is before the courts charged with three counts of sending documents, threatening death or grievous bodily harm.
Counter-terror and federal police allegedly found more than 100 letters, stamps, notepads, and several electronic devices during a search of his home on January 24.
The Lebanese Muslim Association, which is the curator of the Lakemba Mosque, said it often receives hate mail, but the nature of the two recent ones was alarming.
“This letter writer went to a lot of trouble to make [their] threats using words and images, and this kind of intimidation has become the new norm,” spokesperson Hajj Gamel Kheir told the ABC.
“We are now witnessing a greater increase in Islamophobia than ever, which naturally is quite alarming.”
“Racism will never win. Islam and the Muslim community will never cower to the threats and demands of the racist element in Australia.”
The Muslim community is just days out from celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, when millions will fast, pray and spiritually reflect.
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