Opinion
30 Jun 26

United Against Racism condemn "suspected arson attack on Al-Madinah prayer hall and racist intimidation in Ballymun"

United Against Racsim Protest at The GPO on April 26th, 2025. Copyright Curtis DeSmith- hotpress.com

Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage after a fire broke out at an Islamic prayer hall in Dublin city yesterday.

United Against Racism have condemned the "suspected arson attack on Al-Madinah prayer hall and racist intimidation in Ballymun" in a statement online.

A fire broke out at the prayer hall on Talbot Street around 3 pm yesterday; no one was injured, and three people were evacuated from the building.

It came only days after three Muslim men were attacked in Poppintree Park, Ballymun.

"The Muslim community of Ireland has become the scapegoat of the far right in their quest to divide us," read the statement.

"Their rhetoric is becoming more vicious and their actions more violent. They have to be stopped now."

The statement went on to mention US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk as instigators for the growing far-right rhetoric.

"Billionaires like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, have lent their unwanted voices in support of this racist hatred. And yet, they fail to convince the majority of people."

On the same day as the Dublin Pride Parade, hundreds of people took part in an anti-immigration rally in Dublin city centre.

"On Saturday, the far right promised 10s of thousands at their anti-immigration rally; only a few hundred showed up. The Pride march outnumbered them more than 100 to 1, in a vibrant celebration of solidarity and diversity."

It went on to reflect on the anti-immigration riots that broke out across Belfast this month following a stabbing attack allegedly committed by a Sudanese man.

"The scene of smoke billowing from the mosque today bore a striking similarity to the horrific scenes that came out of the north two weeks ago. There is something very ugly brewing on this island and around the world. If we let it grow any further, the consequences will be stark.

"We need a more energetic, numerous anti-racist movement. A movement that will push back against racist division while building common struggles to unite people, migrant and Irish, in the fight for a society that allows us all to flourish."