Oct 10 2002 – Sydney’s Lebanese Muslim community was ‘abandoned’ by some political leaders during the recent gang rape trials and the asylum seekers debate, a leading Muslim cleric said yesterday.
Muslims had been under siege and left to “fight alone” which has created a “strong bond” in the community, Lakemba Mosque’s Sheik Taj El Din Al Hilaly said.
But he said his fellow Muslims should attempt to dispel misconceptions and build tolerance, “learn from mistakes” and open their doors to outsiders.
The religious leader also denied claims that extremists operated in Sydney, saying he had taken steps to remove people who “misunderstand” the Koran from the Lakemba Mosque.
The Sheik, who carries the title of Mufti of Australia, said he and his community were among the first to condemn the horrific spate of gang rapes in south western Sydney.
He said the gang rapes, gang activity in and around Lakemba and Bankstown and the post-September 11 climate had led to unprecedented attacks on the Muslim community.
Some politicians had “used and exploited” these issues to create division.
“We are happy to reflect on our faults,” Sheik Hilaly told The Daily Telegraph.
“The responsibility for social problems falls on many people. I wish that they [politicians] did not abandon us.”
He admitted problems were caused by Muslims retreating within their community.
“We were not as open as we should have been in the past,” he said.
“We are proud of [our contribution to] Australian culture and these problems have created a stronger bond [in the community].”
Sheik Hilaly said the Lakemba Mosque and its supporters were looking to work more with the youth in the area to stop problems before they started.
“We should take the message from all of these lessons