Amid rising Islamophobia, Australian apologises to Muslims

The gesture comes at a time when anti-Muslim and anti-immigration rhetoric continues to define West politics

AUSTRALIA: Amid heightened Islamophobia the world over, a heartwarming image of a sole individual expressing solidarity with Muslims in Australia has been gaining traction on social media.

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The man, whose identity remains classified, stood outside Canberra's  Yarralumla Mosque on Friday carrying a sign that read "Fellow Australians, I apologise for the religious bigots in our society, gov't and media."

The man's heartwarming gesture won praise on twitter. "Someone trying to short-circuit hate cycle of fear precipitated at the cycle of fringes," Peter Davison tweeted. "A very concerned citizen showing a great gesture to his fellow citizens," another tweet read.

A very concerned citizen showing a great gesture to his fellow citizens outside #Canberra mosque #auspol #Australia pic.twitter.com/SJvru1EwoS

— Yas (@YasLone) September 16, 2016

At Yarralumla mosque in Canberra today. #heartMelting pic.twitter.com/nvWu3R8AEh

— المُغرِّد بأمر الله (@Legible_M) September 16, 2016

The gesture comes at a time when anti-Muslim and anti-immigration rhetoric continues to define Western politics. Right-wing politician Pauline Hanson called for a ban on Muslim immigration last week in parliament, saying that the nation was being "swamped by Muslims".



In her speech, Hanson remained critical of the Sharia, Halal certification and specific swimming pool timings for Muslim women. She also pledged support for a ban on Muslim immigration and the construction of Muslim schools, Huffington Post reported.

In a rising trend, right-wing sentiment in the West has been gaining ground. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's declining support was showcased on Monday as the anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured an unprecedented foothold in Berlin state elections.

Merkel's party has been strongly criticised for the chancellor's open-door policy on Syrian refugees. However, she has “firmly” rejected calls to reverse her stance. “I am still convinced today that we can do it — it is our historic duty and this is a historic challenge in times of globalisation,” she said.

This article first appeared on Mashable.