A Muslim tradesman who became the focus of a fierce online backlash after being photographed praying near a memorial for victims of the Bondi Beach massacre has spoken out to explain his actions.
Séamus Ó Cruadhlaoich was seen kneeling on Sunday in front of a menorah-shaped memorial at Archer Park in Bondi, a temporary tribute to the 15 people killed in last December’s attack, shortly after he finished the City2Surf fun run.
Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich, an Irishman who recently converted to Islam, was wearing a race bib bearing the words “free Palestine” and a running shirt featuring the Palestinian, Irish and Aboriginal flags.
Images of the moment were later shared on X by Daniel Lewkovitz, a former Liberal Democrat candidate for the federal seat of Wentworth, who publicly questioned Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich’s intentions and pointed out that the prayer did not appear to align with the usual Islamic prayer times for that day.
The post triggered a wave of hostile comments directed at Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich, with some users labelling him a “disgusting scumbag”, accusing him of staging a “fake Muslim prayer” and even calling for him to be deported.
Speaking last night, Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich said he was shocked and distressed by the reaction, insisting his decision to pray at the memorial was made in the spirit of “peace and harmony”.
“It was just after I ran the race and I walked up to the monument and it felt right at the time,” he said.
“I talked to Allah and prayed for peace and harmony within all communities and all society all over the world, but especially hoping for peace for these people who were taken in this horrific event.”
Irish tradesman Séamus Ó Cruadhlaoich was pictured conducting an Islamic prayer in front of a Jewish memorial after Sydney’s City2Surf race on Sunday morning
Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich, seen during the race, said he wanted to pray to Allah after finishing the 14-kilometre run and chose to do it in front of the menorah ‘as it felt right at the time’
Pictures of him praying in front of the memorial were shared across social media, including by conservative political candidate Daniel Lewkovitz
‘It was my first time at the monument and I just wanted to pay my respects.’
Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich said critics were painting ‘all (Muslims) with one brush… I don’t even want to humour it.
Of Mr Lewkovitz he said: ‘Who is he to tell me when I can pray?’
Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich said he felt comfortable praying in front of the menorah and claimed that he was greeted by a Jewish man who thanked him for paying his respects.
‘He waited till I was finished and when I turned around he put out his hand, shook mine and said, “Big respect, brother”,’ he said.
‘And I said, “Thank you and respect to you too,” and I walked away with my friend and that was it.’
Not everyone joined the barrage of criticism of Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich on social media. ‘What exactly is wrong with what he is doing?’ one woman asked Mr Lewkovitz.
‘He was very likely simply paying his respects. I am Muslim and I support Palestine, but I also respect Jewish lives and do not wish death or harm upon innocent civilians. Those things are not mutually exclusive.’
The Irishman, who recently converted to Islam, said he entered the City2Surf race to raise funds for his friend Osama who is living in Gaza
The menorah has become the temporary memorial to the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack (pictured is Mr’ Ó Cruadhlaoich praying in front of it)
Another person said: ‘Thanks for highlighting that this man took time out of his day to pray for the innocent victims of Bondi.’
A man added: ‘All I see is a man respectfully exercising his right to pray and quietly contemplate at a location dedicated to prayer and quiet contemplation.’
However others suggested Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich should have prayed elsewhere, given his clothing.
President of the Australian Jewish Association, Robert Gregory, told Our News Outlet that Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich’s actions have caused distress to the Jewish community.
‘The Jewish community is still in mourning. I can’t understand how an anti-Israel activist dressed in provocative anti-Israel political messaging thought it was appropriate to position himself next to the memorial to the victims of the Bondi attack,’ Mr Gregory said.
‘His actions have caused distress to victims of the Bondi attack. Time and again, we see that activists have little regard for the impacts of their actions and the harm they cause.’
The Daily Mail contacted Mr Lewkovitz and Mr Ó Cruadhlaoich for comment.
