Veteran Australia opening batter Usman Khawaja’s family has been facing online abuse following the violent attack at a Jewish event in Bondi Beach. His wife, Rachel Khawaja, revealed that their young daughters were targeted with hateful messages on social media due to anti-Islamic sentiment after the incident.
A horrific attack on civilians at Bondi Beach claimed lives and left deep emotional scars on survivors. Following the incident, tensions rose across the country, turning into anger. The alleged involvement of Naveed Akram and his father intensified anti-Islamic sentiment, which spilled over into online abuse.
Khawaja, who was born in Pakistan, became an unfair target, as trolls dragged him into the backlash despite having no connection to the attack. The tragedy showed that public figures and their families can become victims of such hatred.
We Have Always Received These Kind of Messages – Usman Khawaja’s Wife
Rachel Khawaja revealed that her family was targeted by online abuse, adding that the hatred extended even to her young daughters. She shared screenshots of abusive comments on social media and expressed her anger and pain over Aisha and Ayla being dragged into the abuse.
She said that while such messages are not new for their family, the volume and intensity have increased in recent days. Rachel called out the cruelty of targeting innocent children.
“I’ve collected a small sample size of some of the comments we have received over the past week. I would love to say this is new, but sadly we have always received these kind of messages. But of course, they have gotten worse,” she said.
We Continue to Come Together and Stay United – Usman Khawaja’s Wife
Rachel Khawaja said that antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism have no place in society. She urged Australians to support one another and remain united by not allowing fear and prejudice to divide the community.
“It is important now more than ever that we continue to come together and stay united. Whether it’s standing up against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism, we shouldn’t stand for any of it,” she added.
Usman Khawaja’s future in the Australia Test team came into doubt after he missed the second Test. With Travis Head and Jake Weatherald doing well, many felt Khawaja might not be considered.
He returned in the third Test against England after Steve Smith’s injury. The 39-year-old scored 82 runs in the first innings, helping Australia take control of the match. Australia went on to win the Test, seal a 3-0 series lead, and retain 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 that it led to the loss of lives and deep trauma for families and the wider Bondi community.
“To the whole Bondi and Jewish community. 2 horrible crimes in 2 years. Truly devastating news from Bondi today,’ he posted with a broken-heart emoji.
“Lives lost senselessly, families shattered, the Bondi community traumatised. There are no words – only heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers to all affected,” he had said.
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