It’s shocking to believe that racism is alive and well in our modern society, and so close to home, but the Ahmadzai family experienced it in its worst form just last week.
Three members of the Afghan family – 13-year-old Abdul and his uncles, 18-year-old Naqeeb and 20-year-old Fazalrahman - were beaten unconscious and threatened with death by a group of men in Dublin, last Thursday.
The three young men were cycling home from Marlay Park when the shocking incident occurred.
According to a report in the Irish Times, the family’s local community in Rathfarnham are not about to take the attack lying down, and a group of around 200 people staged a demonstration of support outside Nutgrove Shopping Centre yesterday.
Despite initially being afraid to attend, for fear of coming face-to-face again with their attackers, the Ahmadzai family did join their neighbours and told the Irish Times that they were ‘so happy’ to see the support on show.
Speaking to the publication, young Abdul said: “I love Ireland. The people have always been very kind to me. I want to stay here. My dream is to play cricket for Ireland one day.”
Meanwhile, gardaí are reportedly investigating the terrifying incident. While no arrests have been made as of yet, items including hatchets and iron bars have been seized.
We’re thinking of the family at this traumatic time.
