Thousands attend Eid-ul-Fitr Prayers at Lakemba Mosque

Friday morning 21 April saw the traditional Eid-ul-Fitr Prayers held at the Imam Ali Bin Abi Taleb Mosque at Lakemba in Sydney, marking the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.

An estimated crowd of almost 40,000 worshippers flocked to the historic masjid, which is facilitated by one of Australia’s oldest Islamic charitable organisation, the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA).

For the first time since 2019, attendances at Eid Prayers weren’t impacted by COVID-19 health restrictions and community hesitancy associated with the pandemic.

And it was evident even prior to daybreak that a huge crowd was imminent this year, with the mosque and its recently refurbished underground area quickly filling to capacity, causing the congregation to spill over into the car park and onto nearby streets, walkways and pavements.

Worshippers utilised every available vantage point to pray including the length and width of Wangee Rd, as far as the eye could see.

The LMA welcomed a large contingent of politicians from the three tiers of government, who joined religious, business and other community leaders as official guests at the gathering on the first day of Eid.

The VIPs were hosted in style by the LMA board, with an intimate breakfast prior to Eid Prayers in the Association’s Grand Hall, which was superbly and tastefully decorated, with an Arabian theme.

Newly elected NSW Premier Chris Minns received a warm reception when introduced to the public during the traditional post-Eid Prayers speeches on the steps of Lakemba Mosque by the MC Gamel Kheir, LMA Secretary.

Flanked by many of his MPs including

Multicultural Eid Festival & Fair Souvenir Liftout

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From teacher to Minister: Jihad Dib becomes NSW’s first Muslim Minister in landmark appointment

Ministers Sophie Cotsis, Steve Kamper and Jihad Dib, the Premier praised the LMA for the leadership it showed the Muslim community during the pandemic and subsequently.

“You’ve welcomed people into your homes, your mosques and your community centres,” he said.

“New South Wales is a strong and connected society….we come from different backgrounds and cultures and faith traditions but together, we are richer for it.”

Mr Minns also pointed out that, “a new chapter has recently been written with the investiture of the first ever Muslim Cabinet Minister in New South Wales, Jihad Dib,” and that it was a “watershed moment” when the new Minister for Customer Service was sworn in, holding the Qur’an.” continued on page 3

Jihad Dib MP, newly elected from Bankstown and former NSW state member for Lakemba, was sworn in on Thursday 6 April 2023 as the Minister for Customer Service & Digital Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice in New South Wales.

NSW Premier Chris Minns made the announcement at the NSW government Premier’s Iftar in Parramatta on Monday night 3 April, which was met with thunderous applause from Muslim and interfaith community leaders.

Jihad Dib, who was born in Lebanon and migrated to Australia with his family when he was two years old, began his career as a teacher at Ulladulla High School. He was later the principal of Punchbowl Boys High School from 2007 to 2014, where he is acknowledged for changing a tough school into a respected community facility. continued on page 3