One of Australia's largest mosques is facing what it describes as the most alarming situation since the Cronulla race riots, with security bolstered for Ramadan celebrations. New South Wales police are investigating after Sydney's Lakemba mosque received its third threatening letter in weeks, ahead of the first night of prayers in Islam's holiest month.
Gamel Kheir, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association which operates the mosque, said security is being increased during Ramadan and police have assured a visible presence. 'This is the most alarming situation we've ever had since Cronulla,' Kheir said. 'Since Cronulla, we've never had to get security guards to guard the mosque day and night but now we have to.'
During the mosque's public iftar next month, thousands are expected to gather in the closed-off street outside. The imam, Sheikh Yahya Safi, described Ramadan nights as 'something exceptional', with worshippers sharing meals and reciting the Qur'an. However, Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, president of the Australian National Imams Council, noted 'mixed emotions' due to global events and local tensions.
NSW police last month charged a man with allegedly sending a threatening letter to the mosque before 26 January. Police are investigating the second and third letters, which have been seized for forensic examination. The NSW police minister, Yasmin Catley, said a police operation called Operation Shelter will run throughout Ramadan to monitor and patrol events.
In Victoria, the Melbourne Grand Mosque has also bolstered security before Ramadan, launching a hotline for worshippers to report Islamophobic incidents. Its secretary, Imran Khan Mohammed, said incidents including anti-Muslim graffiti in December make this year's Ramadan challenging.
