Thousands in Lakemba celebrate Muslim festival of sacrifice and feasting

Mohamed Zreika, 46, from Granville has provided security for the prayer meeting for almost two decades and said crowds had increased every year.

“This is a Muslim multi-culture day, like a celebration day,” Mr Zreika said. “We’re all brothers: Christians, Muslims, Hindu, everyone.”

He said that although high-profile terrorist suspects such as Mohamed Elomar had come from Sydney’s west, they did not represent the Muslim community.

“Those guys from here who went overseas, we don’t believe in that,” he said.

“I don’t want everyone to get the wrong idea about the Muslim community; we wish all the best for everyone and we like everyone to live in peace.

“What they’re doing overseas – Islam will never ever be like that. It’s against our religion and against our beliefs, and what they say in the Koran and what the prophet Muhammad says.”

More than 20,000 people packed the streets of Lakemba on Saturday for the festivities. Many were also excited for about the impending NRL grand final. Families arrived in cars bearing Canterbury Bulldogs flags and streamers, calling out Arabic greetings and kissing each others’ cheeks, as community leaders offered pistachio sweets.