Vandals spray racist graffiti on the Australian Islamic College of Sydney

An Islamic school has been targeted with racist graffiti one day before the federal election.

A Sydney Islamic school has been targeted by vandals overnight who sprayed racist graffiti on the outside of the school’s perimeter.

Teachers and students from kindergarten to year 12 at the Australian Islamic College of Sydney in Rooty Hill were met with racist messages as they arrived on Friday morning.

Vandals targeted the school located next to the Rooty Hill mosque one day before the federal election spraying, “No migrants,” “Hamas Albo,” and “Albo liar” on a brick fence.

The act has been condemned by the Australian National Imams Council, which described the crime as “cowardly”.

“This disgraceful act of hate is yet another disturbing reminder of the rising hostility faced by Australian Muslims, including children and families, in spaces that should be safe, welcoming and free from intimidation,” a ANIC spokesman said.

People scrub off the offensive graffiti from walls at the Australian Islamic College of Sydney on Friday morning. Picture: 7News

“The attack was clearly designed to intimidate and provoke fear, targeting both the school’s predominantly Southeast Asian Muslim community and the broader Arab and Muslim community.

“This dual targeting makes the attack even more alarming, as it strikes at the heart of the community’s religious and educational life.”

The Imams Council has called on authorities to increase security and protective measures around Islamic schools and places of worship.

“Such acts cause immense distress to young students, vilify entire communities, and undermine the inclusive principles Australia stands for,” a spokesman said.

“We urge political leaders at all levels to move beyond statements of condemnation and implement meaningful measures to address the root causes of Islamophobia.

Vandals sprayed, ‘Hamas Albo’ and ‘Albo liar’ on a brick fence outside of the school. Picture: 7News

“Hate must not be tolerated, not in our schools, not in our streets, and not in our society.

“No child should be made to feel unsafe on their way to school. No community should be left to endure hate in silence.

“We demand justice, accountability, and a renewed national commitment to combating Islamophobia in all its forms.”

NSW Police confirmed officers from Mount Druitt were investigating the incident.

“The NSW Police Force takes hate crimes seriously and encourages anyone who is the victim of a hate crime or witnesses a hate crime to report the matter to police through Crime Stoppers or triple-0 in an emergency,” a police spokesman said.

“It is important that the community and police continue to work together to make NSW a safer place for everyone.

“As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.”

The Australian Islamic College of Sydney has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Vandals spray racist graffiti on the Australian Islamic College of Sydney