By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Mosque communities in the South East have been comforted by an outpouring of sympathy since the 15 March Christchurch massacre.
Imam Salih, of Emir Sultan Mosque in Dandenong, says hundreds of well-wishers’ flowers and cards have been delivered.
The mosque did not take part in a Mosque Open Day across Melbourne on 17 March, but many visitors – Muslims and non-Muslims – showed up to offer condolences.
“We live in a peaceful country,” the imam said.
“When it happens in our community, we come together more strongly.”
Some of the sympathy cards have been posted on the mosque’s Facebook page.
“We just want you to know you are loved. The whole community stands with you,” one card said.
“You are welcome in Dandenong because it is your home,” another card stated.
“Do not listen to the few loud and hateful people who tell you something different.”
Soon after the terrible killings in Christchurch mosques, police officers arrived at Emir Sultan as a precaution ahead of its popular Friday prayer event that day, the imam said.
The mosque, which is protected by surveillance cameras and a tall perimeter fence, had not received any direct threats.
Omar Farooq Mosque in Doveton called for a greater police presence, especially during Friday services.
Local police officers visited the mosque soon after the killings. Record numbers including Casey councillors Damien Rosario and Wayne Smith visited on the 17 March open day.
“We thank the community for their support and that we’re all one,” spokesperson Rokhan Akhbar said.
Shaken worshippers felt the shootings could have happened at any mosque, he said.
“What if that man – an Aussie man – came to one of the mosques in Melbourne? He could have targeted any other mosque in Australia.
“Everyone is so saddened and devastated, especially for the children, women, the elderly…
“Those people who have been killed have left their countries of origin to live in peace and harmony with others, and to feel safe.
“It never would have crossed their mind that something of that terror would happen to them.
“Mosques are a place of worship and people come there to be at peace.”
Mr Akhbar called on the Federal Government to strengthen anti-vilification laws against ‘hate speech’ targeting the Muslim community and other groups.
“Why is it that white supremacist groups are not banned? And why are they not declared terrorist groups?
“They’re a serious threat to the Islamic community. We have a right to be protected and to be safe as any citizen of this country.”
Senator Fraser Anning’s statement that Muslim immigration was to blame for the massacres was “just devastating”, Mr Akhbar said.
“They were just like putting salt on the wounds.
“It creates division in the community. His comments incite more terror and more evil acts.”
But ironically, in the wake of the horrors, the community was stronger and more united, Mr Akhbar said.
A positive change is sweeping through some federal politicians and commentators. But it should have happened a long time ago, he said.
“After the loss of so many innocent people, we come to our senses.
“It has finally happened in these bad times. Why didn’t we do it in the good times?”
