TRANSCRIPT
On the 13th of April 2024, a routine day at Westfield Bondi Junction turned into a scene of horror, with a lone assailant unleashing a stabbing rampage that ultimately claimed the lives of six innocent people.
One of them was Faraz Tahir, a 30 year old security guard at the mall who had sought refuge in Australia from persecution.
It was his first day on the job.
Shoaib Shams is with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Australia also known as AYMA.
He knew Faraz well.
“Faraz Tahir, he was a refugee in Australia, he came to this country, he fled persecution just over a year ago. He came to Australia, made it his new home. For us at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, he was one of our, not only a member, we saw him as a brother. As soon as he got here, he was very happy with the organisation, to take part in a lot of our charitable causes, a lot of our youth programmes. He always was available to help where it was needed.”
Another member of AYMA who knew Faraz well and came from the same town in Pakistan is Naveed Ahmed.
“It is as shocking as one can imagine. You don't expect such incidents in countries like Australia. Having the same background as Faraz did and I understand from where he came, the struggles he went through to get to Australia. And obviously once you get to Australia, you have hopes and dreams that this country offers to everyone. It's unfortunate his life was cut short in this manner. “
In the wake of the attack, AYMA has sought to honour their friend's memory, as well as that of the five others killed that day.
They've done that by establishing a blood donation drive campaign in conjunction with Red Cross Lifeblood, aptly named 'Faraz's Gift.'
Carley Byrnes is the national partnerships manager at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
She says they are thrilled to be part of the initiative.
“We were approached very quickly after the incident at Bondi Junction by members of his Muslim youth Group and they wanted to do something to honour their friend Faraz, and they quickly mobilised and organised a blood drive in his name.”
Ms Byrnes say it's especially significant, given that a lot of blood was needed in the wake of the Bondi Junction tragedy.
“After the tragic incident at Bondi Junction there were a number of trauma patients who needed very urgent surgery and treatment which required large amounts of blood and blood products, so blood plasma and platelets during their surgeries and ongoing treatments. So while we were able to meet the urgent emergency need after Bondi Junction, it used up a lot of blood inventory , which is why it's been fantastic to see so many people come and donate in response to the incident and feeling they can do something for the community by coming in and giving a blood donation.”
Participants are invited to register for "Faraz's Gift" by searching the campaign name on the Red Cross Lifeblood website.
Each donation carries the potential to save up to three lives, turning a day of tragedy and loss, into countless days of hope.
Mr Shams says AYMA believes the blood drive is a tribute to the spirit of community service and bravery all six victims of the Bondi tragedy displayed.
“Out of this tragedy, a lot of our youth members and community members said how can we honour the sacrifice that Faraz made? How can we have something to remember him by. And that's when the idea came. Why not donate blood? You know obviously, there is a shortage of blood in Australia, and one donation of blood can save up to three lives. So we said Faraz sacrificed his life trying to save lives, and what can we do to remember him.”
