Melbourne: On Sunday 11 October, people of different faiths and background gathered together in a show of friendship and solidarity towards each other for the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA) Friendship walk. The walk began at a Church, thence to a Synagogue and ended at the Albanian Mosque in North Carlton.
For the Islamic Council of Victoria, one of the peak bodies that sits within the JCMA this was an important show of unity across faiths particularly in light of the anti-mosque protests in Bendigo the day before.
Beginning at the church of Easter Hill where Bishop Huggins (JCMA President) spoke warmly about the inspiration for the walk namely spring which is often seen as a season of renewal and it was in this spirit that the walk was organised.
This was followed by a short speech by the Hon. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott who touched on the importance of a Multicultural society and finished with Father Hugh Kempster who delivered a small prayer for peace in the Anglican tradition
Inspired by the prayer the group then moved across the road to the Synagogue in which they were entranced by the strings of the violin. Rabbi Ralph Genende was the main speaker here saying
“Many people say the greatest problem of the world today is religion. As people of diverse faiths, we say, the solution is religion. May the capacity of like-minded people of all religions, who believe in the ways of tolerance imbue all our endeavours as we demonstrate this message of tolerance to wider society.”
Speeches gave way to dance as our Jewish friends bade farewell.
Enjoying the conversations, sun and company the group marched onwards towards the Albanian Mosque in North Carlton. Enchanted by one of the oldest mosques in Melbourne. Visitors learnt about the history of the Albanian community in Victoria as well as being given a small primer on the basics of Islam from Imam Bekim
Sadly, this was the end of the journey but there was still a special treat in store. Something that is common in all 3 faiths: Hospitality! Fruit, Sweets & Cake re-energised weary feet and left people with fond memories of time well spent together and looking forward to the walk again next year.
Ayman Islam, The ICV Liason Officer for the JCMA remarked that ‘It was a fantastic turn-out and an uplifting experience for all. It was a really unique opportunity to socialise, learn and share our stories with one another”
For more information on the JCMA you can visit the following link: http://jcma.org.au
The walk begins
Walking through the park
at the North Carlton Mosque
