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At the same time, showing up was not easy. What lingered with me was the confusion and hesitation some people expressed towards our presence, and unspoken uncertainty about whether Muslims were capable of grieving this tragedy in the same way. The assumption of shared sorrow was not automatically extended to us. Let me be clear: everyone I know is devastated by what happened in Bondi. We grieve deeply, share the fear, the shock and the concern for the safety of our communities, just as anyone else does.

In an increasingly divided world, each of us faces a choice. We can retreat into our comfort zones and distance ourselves from one another, or we can engage and connect. I will always choose connection. My community and I will return to Bondi to continue showing solidarity. And as a proud elected member of Cumberland Council, one of the most diverse communities in Sydney, I extend an open invitation to our Jewish brothers and sisters. Our doors and our hearts, are open.

Grassroots engagement is the only way forward. It may be uncomfortable, but it is essential if we are to meaningfully address antisemitism and Islamophobia, not as political tools, but as lived realities that harm real people. We must resist efforts to weaponise grief or silence necessary conversations.

The unknown often breeds fear. I am just another Ahmed, doing what I can to protect the sanctity of human life and help build an Australia that is compassionate, connected and safe for all.

Ahmed Ouf is a Cumberland City councillor.

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