A public forum was held in the Sydney suburb of Gymea, near Cronulla, organised by the Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations

A public forum was held in the Sydney suburb of Gymea, near Cronulla, on May 30 entitled Breaking the Ice in Cronulla, organised by the Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations and hosted by Geraldine Doogue.

Some had speculated the event would not be received with enthusiasm. However, by the start of the meeting it was difficult to see a vacant seat.

Taghred Chandab, co-author of The Glory Garage – Growing up Lebanese Muslim in Australia and well-known journalist, spoke from her experience. She underlined the importance of promoting understanding in our schools, as they will determine the future of this country. Our leaders at the moment, she explained, are often too quick to criticize. At the same time, Taghred encouraged Muslims to articulate the true essence of Islam to their children – including emphasis on respect, manners and peace.

Indeed, Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘If you wish to create a lasting peace, you must begin with our young people.’ With this in mind, four young members of the Sydney community came forward to present their perspective of understanding and hope for the future.

Natalie Nichol, a Sydney University student pointed out that people resist change and fear the unknown. ‘The Shire was once called God’s Country,’ she said. ‘This still holds true. It is not ours, or yours, but God’s country, whoever your God may be.’ Mohommed Danuun, a student from Sir Joseph Banks High School voiced the anger he once felt from the suspicious and hostile glances when hanging out with friends around Bankstown. He has since spent time working towards mutual respect and positive cross-cultural relations, and was awarded the Australian Lebanese award for community service earlier this year.

School Captain of Caringbah High, Glen Kembry, lives in the Shire, but works in a Japanese sushi bar. ‘Ignorance,’ Glen claimed, ‘when accentuated by the media, can only bring conflict. Everyone has been blamed – the Shire, the Muslims, the Press – but no one accepts any responsibility.’ Ola El Hassan, a young Arabic Australian social worker from Liverpool, brought the discussion to a close with an appeal to everyone: ‘The only way to challenge our fear and mistrust is to challenge the authenticity of the media. Judge people for yourselves face-to-face rather than on ignorant stereotypes. Get to know someone outside your comfort zone.’

Is there hope of new respect and understanding in the Shire and across Sydney? I met a lovely Muslim woman that evening, around the same age as my mother. Instinctively I extended my hand, forgetting for the minute that Muslim women don’t shake hands with men, based on cultural tradition. She smiled at me and took my hand anyway as I stumbled over an apology. ‘It’s OK,’ she laughed, ‘you remind me of my boys. You are just so cute!’ My family being overseas, I felt an amazing warmth from this woman, like I was her own son. Yes there is hope, there is love, there is a future for all Australians if we can learn to understand one another. With this understanding we can build an undivided community for all to call home.

Keith Mills