Threats Targeting Sydney Mosque Highlight Rising Islamophobia and Security Concerns in Australian Muslim Community

Threats Targeting Sydney Mosque Highlight Rising Islamophobia and Security Concerns in Australian Muslim Community
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Sydney’s Lakemba Mosque in the city’s western suburbs has been targeted by a second threatening letter in ten days, prompting an extensive police investigation.

According to the Shia Waves Agency, the letter reportedly contained a hand-drawn image depicting the mosque on fire with worshippers inside, accompanied by racist and threatening statements, raising alarm and anxiety among local Muslims.

Jamal Khair, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association, told SBS Arabic that the incident is not isolated, noting that the growing number of reports from community members reflects a widespread sense of insecurity. “People are worried about sending their children to school or traveling alone; they do not feel safe,” he said.

The threats follow the December Bundy terrorist attack and coincide with a broader rise in Islamophobic incidents in Australia. According to the Australian Islamophobia Register, reports of anti-Muslim harassment have surged by over 740 percent since the attack, underscoring an urgent need for legal and social protections for Muslim communities.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and community leaders have called for increased security measures at mosques and support services for those affected by the threats.