BISHOP of Limerick Brendan Leahy has condemned what he described as a “shocking and worrying” attack on a mosque and Islamic cultural centre on the outskirts of Limerick City in the early hours of this past Thursday morning (February 12).
Gardaí are currently investigating an arson attack at the Limerick Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in Dooradoyle, from which one Muslim man had a lucky escape.
The attack took place at around 1.15am on Thursday morning, with sources saying that a male approached the mosque and threw a petrol bomb through a window.
A member of the mosque, who was in the building at the time, was left shocked but physically unhurt. It is understood that the petrol bomb caused internal damage at the building.
Firefighters attached to Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service responded at the scene and ensured the blaze was put out. The mosque was cordoned off by investigating Gardaí who conducted a forensic examination of the scene.
Speaking following the attack, Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy described the incident as “shocking and worrying”.
“A central tenet of the Christian faith is to love your neighbour as yourself. None of us would want to be the subject of racial or other forms of hatred. We would want our homes and our places of worship respected. We would want to live in peace.
“In the light of all of this, the attack on the Islamic Cultural Centre in Limerick is shocking and worrying.
“I would like to express the solidarity of Catholics with the Muslim community in Limerick at this time. As has been pointed out by others, such an attack is uncommon and not supported by the vast majority of people in Limerick.
“No matter what our creed or religious belonging, we are all brothers and sisters, children of the one God.”
Bishop Leahy said “this incident is a wake-up call to us all to resolve to work actively for the promotion of good relations in our community and peace building in a world that is increasingly fractured and polarised.”
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Azad Talukder, the first Muslim local representative of Limerick City and County Council, said Gardaí were searching for a male suspect who it’s believed “threw a petrol bomb in the mosque”.
“The whole community is shocked and frightened and unsure of what to do,” he said.
Fine Gael councillor, a local in the area, described the attack as “a deeply disturbing and reckless act of violence”.
“This was an extremely dangerous act that could easily have led to a tragic loss of life. I am relieved that no one was killed or seriously injured, but the fear and distress caused to the Muslim community cannot be underestimated.
“Limerick is a diverse and welcoming city. Acts of hatred or intimidation directed at any faith or community are utterly unacceptable. An attack on one place of worship is an attack on the fundamental values of respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence that we hold dear.
“I want to make it clear to our Muslim neighbours that they are valued and respected members of our community. We stand with you. Everyone has the right to practice their faith in safety and without fear.”
A Garda spokeswoman said that no injuries had been reported and investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information on the attack can contact Roxboro Road Garda Station on 061 214 340.