Australia was left shaken after one of its deadliest mass shootings in nearly three decades, when 15 people were killed at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14. The attack took place during a Hanukkah celebration, when two gunmen, identified as Sajeed Akram and his son Naveed, opened fire on people gathered at the popular beach. The incident triggered widespread grief, condemnation and solidarity across the country and beyond.
Amid the national mourning, the family of Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja became the target of online abuse. Khawaja, who is currently playing in the Ashes series, belongs to the Muslim community. While he has not publicly responded to the hateful messages, his wife, Rachel Khawaja, shared screenshots of some of the comments they received over the past week.
“I’ve collected a small sample of some of the comments we have received over the past week,” Rachel wrote. “I would love to say this is new, but sadly we have always received these kinds of messages. But of course, they have gotten worse.”
The abuse was not limited to the couple and also targeted their daughters. Some messages used extremely offensive language, calling the children “future school blasters” and making other dehumanising remarks. Several comments told the family to “go home” to Pakistan.
Shockingly, most of the abusive messages appeared to come from Indians.
Calling for unity, Rachel Khawaja said this was a time for people to stand together against hatred. “It is important now more than ever that we continue to come together and stay united,” she said. “Whether it’s standing up against antisemitism, Islamophobia, or racism, we shouldn’t stand for any of it.”
Earlier, Usman Khawaja had condemned the Bondi Beach attack and expressed his grief. Sharing a post addressed to the Jewish community, he wrote, “To the whole Bondi and Jewish community. Two horrible crimes in two years. Truly devastating news from Bondi today.” He added, “Lives lost senselessly, families shattered, the Bondi community traumatised. There are no words, only heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers are with all affected.”
Read More: ‘Violence Has No Place’: Muslim Organisations in Australia Condemn Bondi Beach Attack
Khawaja also shared a statement from the Jewish Council of Australia, which said it was “horrified and shaken” by the mass shooting at a Chanukah event that left many dead and injured.
The cricketing world also came together to mourn the victims. Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board issued a joint statement expressing shock over the tragedy and offering condolences. “Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events at Bondi Beach,” the statement said. “All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time.”
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins also shared his grief on social media, saying he was devastated by the attack. He expressed support for the victims, their families and the Jewish community, and urged people to donate blood if they could.
