In the current storm of media misinformation and impending wave of Islamophobia I urge everyones thoughts and hearts to remain not only with hostages in Sydney and their families but equally all of the amazing, community-minded and very valued Muslims everywhere and especially in Australia whose lives are probably about to change in a very terrible way. This is not Islam- the great and vast majority of Islamic people in the world are peaceful and their leaders strongly and virtually unanimously condemn these actions. Do not let this shape your views of Muslim people, if you hear anyone painting with brush strokes or inciting hatred, speak up and dispel mistruths, and reinforce that Australia welcomes and values the Muslim community. Failing to do so in the coming days and weeks has the potential to cause more damage to innocent peoples lives than we can possibly imagine.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 07:34:28 +0000