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| Down Under |
| Muslims plan rally in support of Hilaly |
| 2006-10-31 |
| MEMBERS of Sydney's Islamic community sent thousands of text messages urging a non-violent rally yesterday as former prime minister Malcolm Fraser accused the Government of using Muslims as an election issue. The text messages called for a show of support this Saturday for embattled cleric Sheik Taj al-Din al-Hilaly. One described the planned rally as "a critical day to show our solidarity and to silence the hypocrites!" The barrage of text and email messages came as the sheik's family confirmed he would not be stepping down as Mufti of Australia despite the outrage caused by his remarks about the victims of rape. Sheik Hilaly's daughter Asma Hilaly said her father had simply taken temporary sick leave from his duties at Lakemba mosque after collapsing on Monday. "He will not step down. He's always been strong. Strong, tall and defiant and none of this will shake him and bring him down," the 25-year-old said outside Canterbury Hospital. She said her father – who is expected to remain in hospital for at least another two days – still planned to travel to Mecca in the next few weeks. Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser accused the Howard Government of fuelling an "increase in fear and concern over the followers of Islam", The Age newspaper reported. "There are already suggestions that this next election will be a 'Muslim election', as a while ago it was the Tampa election," he said. "It would create a terrible and unnecessary divide between Islam and the rest of the community." Many Muslims, wary of public perception, said they wanted to ensure any rally in support of Sheik Hilaly was peaceful and did not turn into a "flag burning" by an angry mob. One message sender feared a repeat of the scenes at the Lakemba mosque on the night of the Cronulla riots, when fights broke out during a rally. "Last thing we need is another display like what was seen outside Lakemba mosque on the night of the riots," the message implored. Lebanese Muslim Association president Tom Zreika said last night the rally had not been officially organised by the association and "mixed messages" were being sent about what day the protest would take place. "We will get some protesters on Friday coming up to Lakemba mosque and chanting for him (Sheik Hilaly) to come back," Mr Zreika said. "Friday is our Sabbath so it's more likely to be then." Other messages called on Muslims to support their besieged cleric at a protest at Parry Park near Lakemba Mosque on Saturday at 1pm. Mr Zreika is urging that any show of support for Shiek Hilaly be in a peaceful manner. Messages Emails and text messages, referred to in a Muslim Village Australia website forum, calling on Muslims to support besieged Sheik Taj al-Din al-Hilaly at Saturday's protest: "THIS SMS has been spreading everywhere: Get Prepared! Peaceful protest in support of Mufti Al-Hilaly at Parry Park this Saturday at 1pm. This is a critical day to show our solidarity and to silence the hypocrites!" "I WOULD like it to be an organised rally not just a gathering of angry, hot-headed Muslims shouting slogans, burning flags or other symbols etc" "DEFINITELY keep it organised. Last thing we need is another display like what was seen outside Lakemba mosque on the night of the riots. A lot of the troublemakers weren't even Muslim, and were there just for the fights and trouble and then it becomes all about 'look at the trouble the Muslims are causing' instead of 'Muslims speak out in support of Shk Taj'" "(THE rally must be) a message of unwavering support to our Shaykh and a show of strength that our community will not be forced to please the wishes of our fascist government." Another member of the forum asked: "IS this being organised by someone? Or is this (SMS) just being circulated by individuals? I think it would be much better if any rally is done professionally and in an organised manner." The same forum member said it was important volunteer stewards were at the rally to: "ENSURE no one steps out of line (no flag-burning etc)... The event itself will send a message that the Muslim community is strong, organised and united and will not be intimidated by the media or the politicians." |
| Posted by:Oztralian |
| #19 You just love mass deportation, don't you? No, I do not. I would prefer a peaceful world where travel and migration were not the critical issues that they currently are. So long as there exists a bunch of violent psychos that revel in killing unbelievers and systematically abusing women, slingshotting them back to ther respective Islamic hell holes will have to remain an option. |
| Posted by: Zenster 2006-10-31 21:42 |
| #18 The "complications" are a feature, not a bug. |
| Posted by: Rob Crawford 2006-10-31 21:14 |
| #17 You just love mass deportation, don't you? You don't foresee any major complications in that? |
| Posted by: Darrell 2006-10-31 21:01 |
| #16 Well, there you have it. This complete and total asshole sees no reason why he should abandon his post and a large number of the local community support his continued role as leader of all New Zealand and Australian Muslims. What more clear message does Australia need with regarding just how "moderate" their Muslims really are? These are people who want Australia's Iraqi soldiers dead and Australian women raped. Time to begin mass deportations of any Muslims that so much as sneeze sideways. |
| Posted by: Zenster 2006-10-31 20:50 |
| #15 "worshippers" left the Lakemba mosque armed. How can that be? Australia has gun control (albeit not as bad as Britain). |
| Posted by: Jackal 2006-10-31 19:37 |
| #14 a target-rich environment, indeed. Time to have a 5X attendance counter-protest, Aussies! |
| Posted by: Frank G 2006-10-31 19:28 |
| #13 You really should neuter your cats___ PETA |
| Posted by: Ulutch Throlumble8389 2006-10-31 19:23 |
| #12 I just LOVE the Kingston Trio, it really gets the sows in the mood. |
| Posted by: Speaking for Hogs everywhere. 2006-10-31 19:19 |
| #11 Hang down your head, Hilaly. Hang down your head and cry. |
| Posted by: Eric Jablow 2006-10-31 18:41 |
| #10 It would be nice if members in the community who are not Muslims show up on the same day, at the same place, at the same time, to show our opposition towards this demented Muslim Mufti and his blind flock of sheep. I'm sure you're aware that during last year's post-Cronulla rampage, "worshippers" left the Lakemba mosque armed. If you're going to counter-protest, be aware people could end up dead. |
| Posted by: Rob Crawford 2006-10-31 18:03 |
| #9 Just don't spoil the ASIS camera angles. |
| Posted by: Nimble Spemble 2006-10-31 17:59 |
| #8 Aussies should hold a clothing optional protest right next to the muslims. |
| Posted by: Penguin 2006-10-31 17:50 |
| #7 Good luck, Oz. From what I've observed, doint nothing is the wrong approach - that's what a good dhimmi is supposed to do. At some point we need to see the conflict from their perspective if we're going to defeat them effectively. |
| Posted by: Rex Mundi 2006-10-31 17:26 |
| #6 One of these days the Hajji will turn ugly... |
| Posted by: 3dc 2006-10-31 17:23 |
| #5 A counter rally of non-Muslim women would be great, but I wouldn't want it done for fear of violence against the women. Better that the loonies have their rally unchallenged so that non-Muslim Australia can see what it's up against. "She said her father... still planned to travel to Mecca in the next few weeks." Ideal time to revoke his permanent residency. |
| Posted by: Darrell 2006-10-31 17:17 |
| #4 Rallying in support of rape of unveiled meat? Or cats? or just in support of general opressions of and violence toward women. Break out the burkahs. |
| Posted by: Shuns Uleating3851 2006-10-31 17:15 |
| #3 Unfortunately, no, i am not close to the location where this is all suppose to be happening. Actually, i'm in another state. But i will do my best to rally people for the cause. |
| Posted by: Oztralian 2006-10-31 17:14 |
| #2 The fact that so many are rallying to defend the indefensible says much. Oztralian....are you in the vicinity? I do hope there is some counter-push on these idiots. |
| Posted by: Rex Mundi 2006-10-31 17:08 |
| #1 It would be nice if members in the community who are not Muslims show up on the same day, at the same place, at the same time, to show our opposition towards this demented Muslim Mufti and his blind flock of sheep. |
| Posted by: Oztralian 2006-10-31 17:04 |