A World Held Hostage By Extremist Ideologies

A new wave of cruel and inhumane terrorist violence carried out in the name of religion has recently occurred in Australia. The horrific attack at Bondi Beach, which targeted members of the Jewish community, is something no civilized society can tolerate. Acts of violence—whether between nations or between communities—are equally barbaric and unacceptable. Terror committed in the name of religion or caste, especially against innocent people, is fundamentally inhuman. Yet attacks on civilians enjoying leisure time in parks, beaches, or public spaces cannot be effectively condemned by any words.

What is especially alarming is the repeated targeting of Jews, Hindus, and Christians under the banner of Islam. These atrocities follow the earlier attack in Israel two years ago, when people of all ages gathered for celebration were suddenly assaulted. Around 1,200 people were killed, more than 300 were taken hostage by Hamas.  Nine Nepali nationals studying or working in Israel also lost their lives in the attack. Since then, ordinary Palestinians have continued to suffer the consequences of that brutal incident.

In response to Hamas’ violent actions, Israel has been carrying out ongoing operations against terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. As a result, countries including Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen are also experiencing repercussions. The Israeli population itself continues to endure immense suffering. These acts of terror are not confined to West Asia alone. Similar violence was seen in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where dozens of Hindu civilians were killed in an attack resembling Hamas-style tactics. Innocent people on picnics or strolls were targeted solely because of their religious identity. The aftermath escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, bringing them close to war and triggering a dangerous race to stockpile nuclear and advanced weapons. This arms buildup raises fears of a major conflict in South Asia. Political instability in countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, along with the Baloch insurgency in Pakistan, further heightens the risk of regional violence.

Media reports have confirmed that the Bondi attack specifically targeted Jewish citizens.  Australia formally recognizes a Palestine state, a move also supported by Canada and some European nations. These decisions were seen as rewards to Hamas in its conflict with Israel. However, terrorism has no borders and no justification. The shock of such violence reaching a generally peaceful country like Australia has deeply unsettled the global community. Israel strongly criticized Australia’s decision at the time, and following the Bondi tragedy, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his anger.

For arms manufacturers and dealers, the accumulation of weapons is profitable. In the United States, private gun ownership is legal, yet this has resulted in the deaths of many innocent people each year. Schools, colleges, shopping centers, and public spaces have become frequent targets of gun violence. Despite this, pressure from the arms industry has prevented meaningful reform. A similar situation exists in Australia.

The fact that such an attack occurred in Australia—a country known for its safety and stability—has shocked the world. Sixteen people lost their lives, including children. While it is not yet confirmed whether the attackers were acting under the direction of an extremist Islamic group, reports suggest they were a father and son of Pakistani Muslim origin, leading to speculation about possible extremist links. Many recent terrorist acts worldwide appear to involve individuals influenced by radical interpretations of Islam.

This raises serious questions for governments about whether educational systems or ideological teachings that promote religious or ethnic hatred are contributing to the rise of terrorist organizations. Groups such as Jamaat-e-Islam, Hezbollah, Hamas, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, the Taliban, Boko Haram, and others are all rooted in Islamist ideology.

While some Islamic scholars advocate peace and humanity, they remain a minority, and many who promote such values have been silenced or killed. This reality prompts a necessary discussion on whether reforms in religious education are required. The terrorist attack in Australia must be firmly condemned, and all nations must remain vigilant and proactive to prevent such atrocities in the future.