| "There is no place in Australia for hatred against Muslims, racism, or incitement to religious hatred."— Dr. Rateb Jneid, President |
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MEDIA STATEMENT
Condemnation of the Desecration of Muslim Graves at Narellan
30/09/2026
(See translation in Arabic section) Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) strongly condemns the recent desecration of Muslim graves at the Australian Islamic Cemetery at Narellan.
These graves belong to loved ones who can no longer speak for themselves, mothers, fathers, grandparents, children and respected members of our Australian community. Deliberately targeting a place where people have laid their loved ones to rest causes profound pain to grieving families and is an affront to the dignity and respect that should be afforded to the deceased.
Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC, said:
“This is not simply an attack on a cemetery; it is an attack on the dignity of grieving families and on the basic respect that every human being deserves, even after death. Our thoughts and prayers are with every family affected by this deeply distressing act.”
Dr Jneid added:
“There is no place in Australia for anti-Muslim hatred, racism or religious vilification. We must stand together against hatred in all its forms and ensure that every Australian can bury their loved ones and practise their faith with dignity, safety and without fear.”
AFIC stands in full solidarity with the Lebanese Muslim Association and all families affected by this incident. No family should have to fear that the graves of their loved ones will be targeted because of their faith.
Acts of anti-Muslim hatred have no place in Australia. Equally, racism, religious hatred and vilification directed against any faith or community undermine the principles of mutual respect, justice and peaceful coexistence that are essential to our multicultural society.
AFIC welcomes the investigation by NSW Police and supports efforts to identify those responsible and ensure that the matter is dealt with through the proper legal processes. AFIC also acknowledges the public officials, community leaders and organisations who have expressed their support for the affected families and contributed to efforts to strengthen security at the cemetery.
This incident is a reminder that social cohesion cannot be taken for granted. Government, community organisations, faith leaders, educational institutions and the wider community all have an important role to play in fostering understanding, challenging prejudice and strengthening the bonds that unite Australians of every background.
At times such as these, our response must be one of unity, compassion and resolve, a renewed commitment to the dignity, safety and respect owed to every member of our society.
AFIC extends its prayers and solidarity to the families affected. We pray for the protection of all places of worship and burial and for an Australia in which every person can live, practise their faith and lay their loved ones to rest free from fear, discrimination and hatred.
Authorised by:
Dr Rateb Jneid
President |
