Members of Australia’s Ahmadiyya group held a solemn vigil on Sunday night to recollect the victims of Saturday’s Bondi Junction bloodbath that left six harmless individuals lifeless, together with Ahmadi Muslim and refugee Faraz Tahir.
The 30-year-old man was working as a safety guard on the Westfield procuring centre when Queensland man Joel Cauchi rampaged by the centre with a knife, leaving a path of carnage.
Cauchi murdered Mr Tahir, who had solely arrived in Australia a few 12 months in the past from Sri Lanka by way of the UNHCR.
Images from the vigil present the Ahmadi Muslims gathering earlier than a floral tribute at Bondi Junction in japanese Sydney and praying silently to recollect the lives misplaced.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we additionally mourn the lack of Faraz Tahir, a cherished member of our group and a devoted safety guard who tragically misplaced his life whereas serving the general public throughout this assault,” the group mentioned earlier than the vigil.
“Faraz Tahir, aged 30, sought refuge in Australia only a 12 months in the past, fleeing persecution in his dwelling nation of Pakistan.
“He shortly turned an integral a part of our group, identified for his unwavering dedication and kindness.
“Faraz was not solely a valued member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Group of Australia but additionally actively contributed to the charitable endeavours of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth organisation.”
“Our ideas and prayers are with Faraz’s household and family members throughout this tough time, in addition to with all the opposite victims and their households affected by this mindless act of violence,” the group mentioned.
“We prolong our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the broader group as we come collectively to help each other within the face of tragedy.
“We commend the swift response of the authorities and provide our full co-operation with the continued investigation. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Group of Australia stays steadfast in its dedication to selling peace, unity, and understanding in our society.”
Ahmadis have been topic to persecution in Muslim-majority international locations together with Algeria and Pakistan.
Scentre Group, the proprietor of Westfield, has expressed its condolences to Mr Tahir.
NED-11876-World-reaciton-Westfield-stabbingsCEO Elliott Rusanow mentioned the corporate was “devastated” by the lack of Mr Tahir and praised his bravery and position as a primary responder within the horrible occasion.
“Our deepest and heartfelt condolences exit to his household and all who’re mourning the lack of family members,” he mentioned.
“Our ideas and considerations are additionally with the households and carers of these injured within the assault and the on a regular basis heroes whose actions prevented additional lack of life.
“One other member of our safety staff was injured and stays in hospital.
“This information is deeply felt by our Westfield Bondi staff, our safety companion GLAD and all the Scentre Group staff.”
24/7 SUPPORT LINES
