Australia Sees Surge in Reported Islamophobia After Bondi Attack

Image: Jihad Watch

Members of the Muslim community in New South Wales have begun staying overnight inside their local mosque as a protective measure against potential vandalism and attacks, following a reported surge in Islamophobic incidents in the aftermath of the antisemitic terror attack in Bondi. The precaution reflects growing fear and uncertainty among Muslim Australians, who say they are increasingly concerned about their safety and the security of their places of worship.

At Minto Mosque in south-west Sydney, mosque officials have implemented heightened security protocols in response to a rise in threats and hostile activity. A committee member, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, confirmed to the ABC that overnight stays by community members form part of a broader effort to safeguard the premises and provide reassurance to worshippers.

“Many in our community are feeling anxious and afraid, constantly wondering what might happen next,” the committee member said, highlighting the emotional toll the situation is taking on families and congregants.

ABC has obtained emails and incident reports indicating a significant escalation in Islamophobic abuse, including vandalism, threats, and harassment directed at mosques and Islamic organisations since December 14. These reports suggest that anti-Muslim sentiment has intensified in the period following the attack, placing additional strain on already vulnerable communities.

The Australian National Imams Council has also raised serious concerns, revealing that its Action Against Islamophobia (AAI) initiative has recorded an almost 200 per cent increase in reported anti-Muslim hate incidents since December 14. According to the council, at least nine mosques and Islamic centres across the region have experienced vandalism or major security incidents serious enough to require police intervention.

The council further noted that its support line has been inundated with distressing calls from victims of abuse, as well as from parents and employers of Muslim staff who are worried about safety and workplace impacts. Callers have described a pattern of escalating harassment, threatening online messages, and a growing sense of fear for personal security. Many have also expressed deep concern that the situation may deteriorate further in the days and weeks ahead.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns strongly condemned the rise in hate-related incidents, describing the attacks as “horrifying” and unacceptable. He reaffirmed the government’s position that racism in any form would not be tolerated.

“This is not vigilantism, and it is not retribution,” the Premier said. “What we are seeing is hateful racism in our community, and it has no place here.”

He added that authorities remain on high alert, with police maintaining heightened vigilance to identify and respond to any instances of hate speech or racially motivated behaviour, as the state works to prevent further escalation and protect all communities.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)