Friends of Africa rally alongside other organisations against racist intimidation
27th September 2023
On 17th September, the business premises of a Syrian man living in Belfast, was targeted for the fourth time in a racist attack.
Ahmad Alkhamran fled the war in Syria seven years ago. He moved to Ireland and began working to build a new life. Having worked as a taxi driver since arriving in Belfast seven years ago, Ahmad was finally able to open his own grocery business in South Belfast.
Unfortunately, Ahmad was the victim of a series of racist attacks, most recently, having his premises set alight. This was the fourth targeted attack in just two weeks.
As shocking as the attacks against Ahmad are, they are definitely not happening in isolation. We have seen a steady rise in racially motivated attacks in Belfast and we must not let such actions become normalised.
In response to this hatred, Untied Against Racism, a membership based, grassroots organisation, called for a rally against these arson attacks on businesses and community facilities and against people being intimidated from their homes in the area.
On 26th April, Friends of Africa joined a host of other organisations and individuals who took to Shaftsbury Square to send a strong and united message that these heinous actions and this hate fuelled agenda, are not the shared opinion of those living in Belfast and surrounding areas.
The event saw over 23 organisations rally against racist intimidation, including PPR, HAPANI and East Africa Youth NI.
We undoubtedly need media coverage of the rise of racism in Ireland. We need to have the constant reminder of the harsh realities faced by those who continue to search for a place of sanctuary and safety, despite the often unimaginable journeys they have had so far and all those who face racism.
However, we believe it is just as important to see and to feel the welcoming and compassionate force of Belfast at large. To be reminded that these horrific stories are not the consensus of our country.
The small but significant ‘anti-protest’ of manipulated and instructed young boys with their stones and cold chips ready to fire, was a chilling insight into the ongoing intimidation happening in Belfast.
Whilst the young boys and their stones were merely used as pawns by certain organised groups, the core perpetrators of hate could be spotted lurking further back from the action. The tense atmosphere of the rally, whilst unpleasant, solidified the need for us to be out on the streets, shouting loud that Belfast is a welcoming place.
As Friends of Africa, we MUST be part of the movement that stands up to and stomps out racist intimidation – it is no longer enough to be passive in this argument, we must loudly and proudly say that we condemn any form of racism and stand in solidarity with those who now call Ireland home.