Sydney interfaith meet affirms support for multicultural Australia*

The Indian Crescent Society of Australia (ICSOA) hosted its 8th annual Interfaith & Harmony Sydney on Thursday 18 September 2025 at the NSW Parliament, gathering faith leaders, politicians, academics, and community advocates under the theme “Interfaith Solidarity in Conflict.”

The event carried a strong and urgent message condemning recent right-wing extremist attacks against immigrants and multiculturalism in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, while reaffirming solidarity with Indian immigrants who have been recently targeted by divisive rhetoric.

A call for unity in troubled times

Opening the evening, Fasiuddin Khan, Secretary of ICSOA, acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land and revisited the organisation’s founding mission of fostering harmony and interfaith dialogue. Reflecting on previous themes such as “peace and harmony during COVID” and “diversity and inclusion,” he reminded guests that the real test of solidarity comes during moments of division: “Even in troubled times, people of different faiths can stand together by focusing on shared values like justice, kindness, and compassion.”

Abbas Raza Alvi, President of ICSOA spoke emotionally about migration, stressing that families come to Australia seeking peace and opportunity, not hostility. He described Sydney’s multiculturalism as a “celebration, not a challenge” and urged policymakers to invest more in education and infrastructure than in defence.

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Political leadership condemns extremism

Bipartisan support was visible throughout the evening at the interfaith event.

– Hon Steve Kamper, Minister for Multiculturalism, condemned recent anti-Indian hate incidents in Australia and warned that social cohesion is fragile but essential to the nation’s identity.

– Hon Jihad Dib, Minister for Emergency Services and Youth Justice likened Australia to a “jigsaw puzzle” of many cultures, urging communities not to let global conflicts or political disagreements tear apart relationships at home.

– Hon Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister, struck a lighter tone, joking about whether butter chicken or Lebanese food was Australia’s national dish—before affirming that, despite different origins, “we are still one family.”

-Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens spoke firmly against normalising hate speech. Recalling a recent incident at Bondi Beach where demonstrators calling for an end to the siege of Gaza were told to “go back to Lakemba,” he said: “I’m not going to both-sides that moment. Bondi Beach, like the rest of Sydney, is there for everybody.”

Honouring champions of human rights & faith

The evening also celebrated individuals and organisations working tirelessly for justice and cohesion:

– Father Dave Smith, known as the “fighting father,” received the Interfaith Award for Excellence for his decades of activism bridging faith and social justice.

– Dr Shanti Raman and Nandini Sen of Hindus for Human Rights were honoured for promoting pluralism and standing against all forms of discrimination.

– Dr Abdul Noor was recognised for his lifelong commitment to community service.

All awards were presented by ICSOA’s women volunteers, a deliberate choice highlighting the often-understated role of women in building peace.

Human rights, patriotism, and global responsibility

Lorraine Finlay, Human Rights Commissioner, praised the awardees for bringing rights “to life,” distinguishing between tolerance—merely putting up with one another—and true acceptance, which requires listening and respect.

Peter Doukas, Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, rejected the idea that patriotism belongs to hate groups: “True patriotism belongs to those who fight for freedom, including the migrants who have escaped hardship. Multiculturalism is an intrinsic part of Australia’s story.”

The program also included keynote presentations from Steve Killelea AM, philanthropist and founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace, who spoke on the global dimensions of peace and conflict.

The keynote address by Craig Foster AM, broadcaster and human rights advocate, closed the evening on a powerful note. He warned that ignoring social needs while fuelling the global weapons industry breeds resentment and division. Praising the event as timely, he reminded attendees: “True understanding is standing side by side when one community needs the rest.”

A platform for hope

Event coordinator Taufeeq Sheikh highlighted the symbolic significance of holding such a dialogue in the NSW Parliament, a place where democracy and diverse voices converge. He noted the crucial role of ICSOA’s women volunteers in shaping solutions and carrying forward the vision of community harmony.

The night concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Siddique Panwala, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to defending multiculturalism against extremist threats and nurturing dialogue in difficult times.

*Original heading – Interfaith gathering at NSW Parliament condemns attacks on immigrants and multiculturalism

Source- AMUST, 19 September, 2025.

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