Amid rising Islamophobia, Australia’s Muslims observe Eid. One day ago. Katy Watson, Reuters Australia correspondent in Sydney. Last week, as sunset neared in the southwestern Sydney suburb of Lakemba, thousands gathered on the street outside the Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb Mosque, most taking seats at numerous trestle tables draped in white cloths. The mosque was hosting a community Iftar—the evening meal signaling the end of Ramadan’s daily fast. Tables were segmented by buffet stations labeled ‘women’ and ‘men,’ and as the sun dipped, families shared boxes of dates to break their fast with neighbors and fellow guests. Despite the event’s warm, family-oriented atmosphere, a police surveillance trailer stationed on the road—equipped with 2,000 cameras on tall poles—reflected underlying community anxieties. Following multiple threats, community leaders called for increased police presence during Ramadan. They also hired private security. “We’re facing very tough times right now for the Muslim community and Australia as a whole,” said Gamel Kheir, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association, who organized the community Iftar. “If there’s ever been a need for communities to unite and share a meal, I’d say this year is more crucial than ever.” Anti-Muslim prejudice is increasing in Australia. According to the Islamophobia Register Australia, threats against Muslims previously averaged about 503 incidents per week.
