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Statement on behalf of the Muslim community of Durban on the recent
xenophobic attacks:
"We are appalled and shocked by the recent xenophobic attacks on
foreigners in our country. The loss of life and destruction of property is
deeply regretted. This madness has to stop immediately. Xenophobia is
racism outright, which should not be tolerated by any civilized society. We
commend the leaders who took a bold stance and spoke out strongly
against this scourge. The announcement by government of a national
conference on xenophobia is welcomed. Civic society should play its role by
ensuring that it does not allow manifestations of xenophobia to be tolerated,
just as racism is not tolerated. People need to speak out against it. The
factors that lead to the xenophobic attacks, though unjustifiable as a basis,
need to be understood and addressed. Poverty, unemployment, rising costs,
lack of basic amenities and so on, are leading to impatience and frustrations
among the underprivileged people who are misdirecting their anger towards
the wrong targets. The government, in partnership with the private sector,
need to urgently address these issues before matters spiral out of control.
Civic society needs to play a role here as well, by sharing with the poor, with
compassion and sympathy to the plight of the poor and needy."
- Mufti Zubair Bayat, Director of Darul Ihsan Islamic Centre
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© 2008 - Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Centre
Tel: (+27) 031 577 7868 - Fax: (+27) 031 577 6012
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