Funeral for FARAZ
An estimated 1,000 people attended the funeral to honour security officer Faraz Tahir at Baitul Huda Mosque at Marsden Park on Friday (26th April).
Faraz lost his life trying to protect people from a knifeman at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday, 13th April.
Five women stabbed on that day also died, Jade Young, Ashlee Good, Dawn Singleton, Pikria Darchia, and Yixuan Cheng.
Twelve others were wounded, including Ashlee’s nine-monthold daughter and security guard Muhammad Taha. He left Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to attend the funeral in a wheelchair. He said: “It’s very painful. I can’t even sleep. Lots of nightmares.”
Faraz, a refugee from Pakistan, would have turned 31 this week. He was a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and volunteered his time with a Muslim youth organisation. It was his first day shift at Westfield Bondi Junction when a 40-year-old knifeman started attacking people that Saturday afternoon.
Faraz’s family members, including his three brothers, travelled from overseas to be at the service. His eldest brother Mudasar Bashir said: “He was very brave and he was strong … he was the bravest person I’ve ever seen.”
Inamul Haq Kauser, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said: “His sacrifice has been recognised by all Australians. Although he was a stranger in this country … he sacrificed his life for all Australians.”
He said an annual blood donation program has been set up in Faraz’s name … giving blood to save others.
Mourners at Friday’s service included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns.
Mr Albanese said Faraz’s life was about giving back.
“His kindness uplifted all those it touched – and it inspired all those who witnessed it.
“It is so fitting that the Ahmadiyya Muslim community are helping honour Faraz Tahir’s life with a blood drive.“
“Faraz Tahir gave everything to help others: his time, his energy, his optimism and dedication, his heart and his soul. And on that devastating Saturday afternoon at Bondi Junction, he gave his life.
Running toward danger, to protect people he had never even met. Without doubt, he helped save lives that day. Without question, Faraz Tahir died a hero.”
Following the ceremony Faraz was buried at Riverstone Cemetery.
GIVING BLOOD
The campaign, Faraz’s Gift, has been established in partnership with Red Cross Lifeblood to encourage Australians to give blood. Adnan Qadir, President of AMYA, said: “With ‘Faraz’s Gift,’ we honor Faraz and the five courageous individuals who lost their lives, by inviting Australians to help continue their legacy.
This blood drive is a tribute to their spirit of community service and bravery.” There are several pop-up Lifeblood collection centres in the Hawkesbury, Hills and Blacktown areas. To find out where and how to donate contact Lifeblood 13 14 95 or visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre
