The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) is deeply concerned by the real-world consequences unfolding in the wake of the Bondi attack, particularly the way Muslim communities are being unfairly scrutinised and implicitly linked to acts of violence they categorically reject.
In the past week, Muslim Australians have experienced a marked escalation in hostility and blame being directed toward them as a community, despite having no connection whatsoever to the actions of the lone attackers. This has manifested in a sharp rise in vandalism of Islamic institutions, verbal harassment, physical intimidation and online hate.
Muslim communities are facing an alarming surge in hate-driven incidents, including hateful graffiti at the Islamic College of Melbourne, dismembered pigs thrown onto graves at a Muslim cemetery in Narellan, NSW, and visibly Muslim women being spat at, abused and threatened in Perth, WA.
Nine mosques and Islamic centres have now reported vandalism or serious security incidents requiring police involvement, forcing places of worship, schools and community spaces to operate under fear and heightened vigilance. It is unacceptable that worshippers continue to carry ongoing fears of a Christchurch-style attack amid rising Islamophobia, hate speech and explicit threats of violence.
ANIC’s Action Against Islamophobia (AAI) initiative has recorded an almost 200% increase in reported anti-Muslim hate incidents. The support line has received distressing calls from victims, parents and employers of Muslim staff. Callers have reported escalating abuse, threatening online commentary, increased fear for personal safety and growing anxiety that conditions will worsen in the coming days and weeks.
ANIC is also alarmed by the way divisive political rhetoric and irresponsible media commentary stigmatise Muslim communities, reinforce harmful stereotypes and create an environment in which racism and abuse are emboldened.
The sweeping and unjustified backlash directed at an entire community for the actions of two individuals is unacceptable and dangerous. Selective outrage, where some forms of racism are rightly condemned while others are minimised, excused or ignored, further entrenches division and erodes trust.
Australia’s safety and strength depend on rejecting all forms of racism consistently and ensuring justice, dignity and security for every Australian.
