Lakemba Mosque has called for increased security following the receipt of a third threatening letter as Ramadan begins, highlighting community concerns over safety during the religious period.
Lakemba Mosque in Sydney's south-west has called for enhanced security measures after receiving a concerning third threatening letter, which arrives just as the holy month of Ramadan commences. This situation has raised alarms within the local Muslim community, which is already on edge due to previous letters, some of which contained explicit death threats. A 70-year-old individual has been charged in connection with one of these earlier incidents, bringing significant public attention to the matter.
The secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association, Gamel Kheir, expressed that the mounting threats have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among worshippers. Many community members are reportedly apprehensive about attending prayers, which are customary during Ramadan, with inquiries about safety becoming alarmingly frequent. Kheir’s comments reflect a growing concern not only for personal safety but also for maintaining the sanctity of religious practices in a space that is supposed to be secure and welcoming.
The calls for increased security signal a broader issue regarding communal tensions and the need for protective measures in places of worship, especially for minority communities. As thousands prepare to observe Ramadan, the situation at Lakemba Mosque underscores the urgent need for authorities to address these threats and reassure the community of their safety during this important period.
