Syrian Muslims say Eid a time for 'reflection'

20 Aug 2012, 10:46 am   -   Source: SBS
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Hundreds of thousands of Muslims have marked the end of Ramadan with Eid festivities around Australia. But for many Syrian Muslims, this Eid is not a time for celebrations.

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Hundreds of thousands of Muslims have marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan with Eid festivities around Australia. Local mosques filled to capacity, as families came together to pray before opening their doors for the Eid feast.

But for many Syrian Muslims, this Eid is not a time for celebration;  their thoughts instead with family and friends in the troubled country.

Hanadi Assoud, who grew up in the Syrian city of Homs, says this Ramadan has been a month of anxiety. "We just want peace in  the region, we just want our families to be safe, it's not about Eid, it's about peace and that is what most families will be saying now," she says.

Sahar Dandachi says keeping in touch with loved ones is a major concern as so many people have been forced to flee their homes to Turkey, Lebanon and Jordon.

With the Syrian crisis felt keenly by the local community, some fear animosity and tensions could translate into violence on Australian streets. NSW Community Relations Commission Chairman Stepan Kerkyasharian urges people to execercise 'self discipline' following recent 'minor' incidences.

"In any international conflict where there's bloodshed, there is the potential for people's emotions to run away  -  that's natural, that's human," he says.  "The important thing is for people to execercise some level of self-discipline."

Kerkyasharian says the Australian government is doing everything it can to stop the violence and provide essential medical and moral support to Syria.

Watch Andrea Clarke's report 'Muslims celebrate Eid' on You Tube.

The NSW Community Relations Commission Chairman Stepan Kerkyasharian speaks with World News Australia about the impact of the Syrian crisis on the local community.

Syrian Violence , Eid

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