Sydney Shocked: Hate Crime Fears as Pig Heads Found on Muslim Graves After Bondi Beach Attack

Sydney: The wave of pain had not yet subsided in Sydney when another disgusting incident shook everyone. On December 14, 15-16 people were killed and dozens injured in a terrorist attack during Hanukkah celebrations on Bondi Beach. The attackers were Pakistani-born father-son duo Sajid and Navid Akram, who targeted Jews.

The very next morning, on 15 December, severed pig heads and body parts were found dumped in the Muslim section of Narellan Cemetery in southwestern Sydney. These were the remains of an animal considered unclean in Islam—clearly a hateful revenge. 

What happened in the cemetery?

The remains were found around 6 a.m. in the Lebanese Muslim Association's Narellan cemetery. Several severed heads of pigs lay scattered on the grass in front of some graves. The police immediately started an investigation. Also got the remains removed and disposed of. Muslim undertaker Ahmed Haraichi shared the video on Instagram, which went viral. 

How did the community react—with anger or an appeal for peace?

Ahmed Haraichi, popularly known as 'The Muslim Undertaker,' said that this is pure stupidity. Nothing is achieved by this; it only increases anger and pain. For every religion, graves are a place of honor and peace. Whatever you did, you are proving hatred. If you want peace, this is not the way. Muslim leaders condemned the attack and refused to cremate the attackers. Both Jewish and Muslim communities are in mourning, but leaders are appealing for peace.

What are the police and government doing? 

The NSW Police, which is investigating the case, is considering it as a hate crime. Premier Chris Minns and PM Anthony Albanese appealed for calm and promised to tighten gun laws. Muslim leaders said that the attackers are not part of Islam. Muslim fruit seller Hero Ahmed Al-Ahmad disarmed the attacker and has received crores of donations. 

Will Australia's unity survive?

Bondi's tragedy exposed anti-Semitism. Now this vandalism continues to fuel the fire of Islamophobia. Leaders are saying that the answer to hate is not with hate. Thousands gathered at the vigils and offered flowers. But the question is whether this chain reaction will stop. Australia's multicultural fabric is strong, but in times like these, unity is desperately needed. Hope peace prevails after learning from the pain.