The family of veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja is facing online abuse after he was violently attacked at a Jewish event in Bondi Beach. His wife Rachel Khawaja revealed that after the incident their young daughters were targeted with hate messages on social media due to anti-Islam sentiment.
A horrific attack on civilians at Bondi Beach has claimed many lives and left deep emotional scars on the survivors. After the incident, tension increased across the country, which turned into anger. The alleged involvement of Navid Akram and his father intensified anti-Islam sentiment, which spilled over into online abuse.
Khawaja, who was born in Pakistan, became an unfair target as trolls dragged him in the backlash despite having no connection to the attack. This tragedy showed that public figures and their families can become victims of this kind of hatred.
We have always been receiving such messages – Usman Khawaja’s wife
Rachel Khawaja revealed that her family had been the target of online abuse, adding that the hatred even extended to her young daughters. They shared screenshots of the abusive comments on social media and expressed their anger and pain at Ayesha and Ayla being dragged into the abuse.
She said that although such messages were not new to her family, their number and intensity had increased in recent times. Rachel exposed the cruelty of targeting innocent children.
He said, “I collected a small sample size of some of the comments we received last week. I would love to say this is new, but sadly we have always received messages like this. But of course, they have gotten worse.”
We will continue to come together and remain united – Usman Khawaja’s wife
Rachel Khawaja said that anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and racism have no place in society. He urged Australians to remain united by supporting each other and not allowing fear and prejudice to divide the community.
He said, “Now more than ever it is important that we continue to come together and remain united. Whether it is standing up against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and racism, we must not stand for any of that.”
Usman Khawaja’s future in the Australian Test team came into doubt after missing the second Test. Due to the good performances of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, many felt that Khawaja would not be considered.
After Steve Smith’s injury, he returned in the third Test against England. The 39-year-old scored 82 runs in the first innings, which helped Australia take control of the match. Australia won the Test and took a 3–0 lead in the series and retained the Ashes.
Truly devastating news from Bondi Today – Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja had condemned the Bondi Beach attack and expressed his support for the Jewish community. He described the incident as heartbreaking and senseless, saying it had cost lives and deeply traumatized the families and the wider Bondi community.
“To the entire Bondi and Jewish community,” she posted with a broken heart emoji. 2 terrible crimes in 2 years. Truly devastating news from Bondi today.
He had said, “Lives have been lost unnecessarily, families have been torn apart, the Bondi community is in shock. There are no words – only heartbroken. My condolences and prayers to all affected.”
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