Thousands gather for anti-Fascist rally in Melbourne after Australian man kills 49 in New Zealand

Thousands of people joined an anti-Fascist rally in Melbourne on Saturday calling for a stop to Islamophobia in the wake of the New Zealand massacre.   

Prayers were read and tears shed for the victims during Saturday’s event outside Victoria’s State Library to stand in solidarity with the Islamic community. 

While many people are still reeling from Friday’s shooting, rally organiser Jasmine Ali told Daily Mail Australia she was very pleased with the turnout on Saturday.  

Prayers were read and tears shed for the victims during Saturday’s event outside Victoria’s State Library (pictured) to stand in solidarity with the Islamic community

A young man (pictured) at Saturday’s rally, which was calling for a stop to Islamophobia, was captured carrying a ‘Muslim Lives Matter’ sign 

Ms Ali said it was wonderful to see people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities stand shoulder to shoulder on the streets and show their support for change. 

‘The turnout reflects the broad sentiment felt by people,’ she said. 

She said Stand Together Against Racism is calling for an end to racist government rhetoric and policies that have led to vilification and violent attacks. 

‘The Islamophobia and racist rhetoric of Australia’s Coalition government has contributed to an atmosphere where vile attacks like the Christchurch shooting become possible,’ Ms Ali said.    

Ms Ali said the rally also highlighted the need to put an end to all forms of racism that is damaging Indigenous, migrant, Muslim and refugee communities.

She said this includes saying no to Islamophobia, no to the right, and stopping fear-mongering and scapegoating.   

Among the many rallygoers were people carrying signs that called for an end to fear-mongering and scapegoating 

The organisers said they were very pleased with the rally turnout, which they estimated to reach more than 2000 people

The support shown at the rally is thought to have eased fear among the Muslim community who are allegedly too afraid to go into the city’s mosques

Strangers also took flowers and messages of support to the Australian Islamic Centre, which is believed to have eased the fear among some members of the Muslim community who are too afraid to go into the city’s mosques. 

Islamic Council of Victoria secretary Mohammad Helmy was among the many voices calling for change at the event.

‘This kind of hate rhetoric, it kills,’ Mr Helmy told 9News Melbourne.  

‘We can see this coming from the hate rhetoric being shared in the public domain,’ Mr Helmy said. 

The rally was one of many protests of its kind held across the globe ahead of next week’s International Day for the Elimination of Discrimination

The rally was one of many protests of its kind held across the globe ahead of next week’s International Day for the Elimination of Discrimination

Ms Ali said the rally called for an end to racist government rhetoric and policies that have led to vilification and violent attacks

The rally was one of many protests of its kind held across the globe ahead of next week’s International Day for the Elimination of Discrimination.

A number of Melbourne’s landmarks were lit up overnight in the New Zealand flag colours in a show of solidarity, including Flinders Street Station, the Town Hall and the State Library. 

Ms Ali said the turnout at Saturday’s rally reflects the general feeling that the community is looking for immediate change. 

‘People are sick and tired – they want change,’ she said. 

One woman at Saturday’s rally was also captured carrying a sign that highlighted she was proud to be a Kiwi and a Muslim