On Sunday, 14 December, during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, two gunmen opened fire, killing at least 15 people and injuring at least 40 others. The incident, declared as a terror attack and an anti-Semitic attack by the Australian government,has been met with widespread condemnation from international organizations and governments.
Egypt issued a statement through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing profound sorrow over the incident and reaffirming its rejection of all forms of violence and extremism.
The Egyptian government emphasized the need for international collaboration to combat violence and extremism, extending heartfelt condolences to the Australian people and their government.
The attack involved two shooters who opened fire into a crowd of thousands gathered for the annual Jewish celebration.
The gunmen were identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram and his father 50-year-old Sajid Akram.
Authorities reported that the situation could have been worse were it not for the quick actions of a local hero, Ahmed Al-Ahmed. This bystander courageously intervened, managing to disarm one of the assailants and potentially saving many lives. A GoFundMe for Ahmed, a Syrian Muslim migrant who became an Australian citizen in 2022, has raised more than AUD 1 million. Ahmed is currently in hospital recovering from gunshot wounds.
Attack ‘Violates’ Teachings of Islam
In a show of unity following the attack, the Muslim Council of Elders, led by Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb, denounced the brutal attack as a heinous crime against innocent civilians. The council reiterated its categorical condemnation of violence and terrorism, regardless of motives or justifications.
The council underscored that such acts violate the teachings of Islam and the shared moral principles across all religions and cultures.
The council further urged intensified international efforts to combat hate speech, extremism, and racism, advocating for a comprehensive approach that involves dialogue and mutual respect to address the root causes of violence.
Both the Egyptian government and the Muslim Council of Elders expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims, praying for a swift recovery for the injured.
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