Moslem leaders have expressed disappointment about the backlash they are experiencing as a result of the activity of Moslem extremists.
While they are disheartened by this they say the situation is not as bad in New Zealand as it is in other places.
The constant association with radicals is disheartening, says the President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Inc, Dr Anwar Ghani.
“They [Muslims] are threatened, it’s just the comments that are made that associate us with terrorism. It’s really sad, because of the projections we are all painted with that brush.”
Ghani said Kiwi Muslims are keeping silent on social media due to the comments being made.
“They are keeping quiet and observing what is coming out.”
“However in saying that the situation in New Zealand is far better than the situation in Australia because the community here is better connected.”
New Zealand Muslim League president Mohammed Hassan said Muslims living in Hamilton have not felt the backlash of incidences that have happened overseas.
Prime Minister John Key has said he is seeking advice as to what military support New Zealand could offer, if asked to join United States-led forces targeting the jihadists in Iraq and Syria.
Members of New Zealand’s Muslim community have told Radio New Zealand sending troops to fight Islamic State (IS) in Iraq would be a mistake.
- The secretary of the International Muslim Association of New Zealand, Tahir Nawaz, said sending the SAS to Iraq would be a bad idea.
- Secretary of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, Tony Green, who is based in Christchurch, said the United States invasion of Iraq created the conditions that gave rise to IS and further western intervention would only make things worse.
- President of the South Auckland Muslim Association, Mohammed Farouk Khan, is also opposed to New Zealand getting involved with the US-led action. “What difference does it make if America as a superpower goes to throw bombs on Iraq to stop bad people doing bad things, are innocent people not getting killed? So what is the difference between the bad people killing innocent people and a superpower killing innocent people as well?”
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