Attack a senseless act that divides communities, say Muslim leaders in Singapore

Muslim leaders in Singapore called the Bondi Beach attack in Australia a senseless act that divides communities, and said such violence has no place in society.

- Daniel Lai

The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association, or Pergas, said in a Dec 16 statement that it completely opposes acts of violence against civilians and innocents, and was deeply saddened by the shooting at the popular beach in Sydney on Dec 14.

The death toll from the attack now stands at 16, including one of the attackers. The victims include a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor. It is Australia's worst gun attack in about 30 years.

In its statement, Pergas lauded the actions of 43-year-old Sydney resident Ahmed al Ahmed, who tackled one gunman and wrestled the weapon out of his hands.

It said: "Together with the rest of society, Pergas is moved by the courageous act of the individual who intervened to protect others. We acknowledge the courageous actions of Ahmed al Ahmed, who intervened to protect others, an act that stands as a powerful affirmation of humanity in the face of brutality. His action stood out in stark contrast to the brutality of the attack."