Ní neart go cur le chéile
Dear Dr. Umar,
I was utterly disgusted and horrified to learn of the dreadful assault on you. It’s appalling. You are such a lovely person with the most wonderful and admirable views. I have been an admirer of yours for many years. I had the great pleasure of speaking to you a few years ago when you addressed a meeting at the Spire in Dublin. I congratulated you for your compassion and your reasonable and rational opposition to extremism.
I found you to be a perfect gentleman and very warm and friendly. It was a joy to talk to you. God bless you. You are exactly what a believer in God /Allah should be.
I was completely shocked and upset to hear that you had been violently attacked at night in Tallaght. I can’t understand who would do such an evil thing to such a good person.
Ireland has become more right-wing and racist lately. Thugs are burning buildings set aside to accommodate refugees. We saw the horrific scenes of looting and violence in O’Connell St a couple of months ago when buses, police cars and the Luas were set alight. Violent thugs roamed the city centre. This was deliberately organised by extreme right-wing characters who used the Internet to encourage brainless thugs to attack people and destroy our city. Horrible and very worrying. These people are beyond reason. They are dangerous trouble makers. We need more police on our streets and proper sentences to reflect the seriousness of the situation.
I am praying for you, Dr. Umar, and your family. Your family must have been very shocked at the horrible attack on you.
Let me assure you that the vast majority of Irish people are good and decent and I know they are disgusted and sickened by the violent attack on you. Everybody likes and respects and admires you.
God bless and protect you. I pray you will make a full recovery.
Sincerely, Anthony
Dear Dr. Al Qadri,
I was very sorry to hear about the attack you sustained at the weekend.
I heard about your awful experience on twitter.
I am moved by your courageous voicing of support for an inclusive and diverse Ireland that welcomes all who need protection in our country. Your love will conquer hate.
You have provided guidance to our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee on the TU Dublin Blanchardstown Campus over the years and our students studying on our campus here are lucky to have you as a spiritual and communitarian guide in our community. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Kind regards, Dr. Liam McGlynn
Dear Dr al-Qadri ,
I just wish to express my horror at the recent attack on you reported on the news. I hope that you can recover as well as possible from this shameful attack.
I have seen you on television a number of times over the years shedding positive light on the Islamic faith and expressing your love for Ireland and the Irish people. I believe I also recall you speaking out against Islamic extremism. You have always projected a message of love and openness.
I find the recent acts of hatred against immigrants and asylum seekers very disturbing and this small destructive contingent does not represent the vast majority of Irish people, and please God people will reject this emerging negative behaviour.
Wishing you and all members of the Islamic community all the very best. Here’s to a wonderful diverse inclusive Ireland.
Best regards , Mark Murphy
I am appalled and saddened by the recent attack on Dr Al Qadri .
This does not represent the views of the vast majority of Irish people and should never happen in our society.
I wish Dr Al Qadri a full and speedy recovery.
Best wishes to him, his family and the Muslim community here
Frank
“Shaykh Dr Umar Al Qadri is a friend of many of us and a household name in Dublin and further afield for promoting understanding among people who know one another all too little.
“He has put this God–given grace to use in the service of his own people and in the service of Inter Faith understanding.
“We are shocked to learn of his being the recipient of hate crime. We stand alongside him and all others who have been and continue to be subjected to intimidation and violence simply because they are who they are.
“I urge everyone to pray for his recovery to good health, for his family members and for those whom he serves in their religious, spiritual and pastoral needs.”
Archbishop of Dublin Stands in Solidarity with Imam Following Attack.
Archbishop Dr. Michael Jackson
Sheikh Imaam…, Dr Al Qadri Salaam Alaikoum. I am so shocked and horrified by the news I read last week about the vicious and disgraceful attack on your person in Tallaght. I consider you one of the kindest and most intelligent, not to mention important people in Irish society. What happened to you simply should not have happened and is , I suspect a direct symptom of the misinformation campaign online that is leading to the rise of the far right in my country, something we have not seen the likes of since the 1930’s.
You once received me very graciously to give me advice on some issues and I was blown away by your dedication to common sense, and the mercy and graciousness of Allah, and I admire how dedicated you are to telling the truth about what Islam actually is, as supposed to the version that those criminals who attacked you would say.
Blessings and mercy of Allah on you ya Sheikh, and I wish you a speedy recovery.
Your friend, Pádraig.
“Heard the awful news on the radio – best wishes from me and my family in Cork to Dr Al-Qadri.”
Gabhánach from Cork
” Dear Dr. Al-Qadri. I am horrified to learn that you were victim of a violent assault. I want to wish you a full and speedy recovery.” Joe Hannigan, Stranorlar. County Donegal.
Dear Shaykh Umar,
I have just read your tweets and I am appalled by what has happened you. Truly terrible. Utterly wrong. This will draw upon your reserves of goodness – which you have in abundance, unlike your attackers. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope the scars – physical and mental – heal. Ireland is enriched by you.
Take care, Sarah Mac Donald
Dear Imam Umar,
I’m very sorry to hear of your attack and hope that you make a very quick and comfortable recovery.
Best wishes, John JOHN O’ KEEFFE & CO.,
BH
Shaykh Umar,
Horrified to hear of the attack yesterday!
Not sure what else to say, it is shocking to hear. Wishing you a speedy recovery, and hope the perpetrators are brought to justice,
kind regards,
Rabbi Zalman
Good morning,
I was very shocked to read the news about Dr Umar this morning. Will you please extend my best wishes as Mayor of South Dublin and if my office can assist in any way, please do let me know.
Kind regards,
Mayor Alan Edge of South Dublin
Good morning Umar,
I’ve just heard the report on the news about you being attacked last night.
I am disgusted. I cannot believe how this can happen. And the general increase in xenophobic activity across the world makes it a sad time for humanity.
I want to express my deep sadness that you have had to go through this attack last night.
I want to send you my support and best wishes and wish you a fast recovery.
All the Best,
Eugene. Eugene Langan Photography,
Dear Dr Al- Qadri,
I was so sorry to hear you were attacked in Tallaght and hospitalised over night.
I wish you a full and speedy recovery.
You spoke some years ago to our small Quaker welcoming refugees group in Churchtown and I am well aware of your commitment to working for peace. This is so badly needed in the world.
I trust you will soon be able to resume your good work.
My sister Rachel joins me in sending you these good wishes for your recovery.
Heather Bewley
Dear Shaykh Dr. Umar,
I just saw on the RTE website about what happened to you last night. I’m shocked and upset on your behalf, and hope that the Gardai manage to find the people that were involved in the attack.
I hope you are feeling okay, both physically and in spirit. Please do be in touch if there is anything I can do for you.
Please also accept my best wishes on behalf of the Dublin Hebrew congregation, and the entire Jewish community in Ireland.
With warmest regards,
Rabbi Yoni Wieder
Dublin Hebrew Congregation
Dear Umar,
I was horrified to read of the attack you suffered last night, and of the injuries you suffered.
I sincerely hope and pray for your complete and speedy recovery from the effects of such a terrible ordeal.
Sincerely,
LeonardAbrahamson
Oh my God, just saw the news, I’m horrified this is happening, especially to a man of your status.
Please again note these actions are from a small minority of thick stupid thugs, Islam is welcome in Ireland.
Peace be with you,
Bob
Dear Umar,
I have just read about the despicable attack which took place on Thursday night and I am horrified at what happened to you. I had to make contact with you to just say that I am utterly disgusted that you have been the victim of such a frightening and appalling incident.
It makes me so sad and disgusted to think that someone who contributes to our society in such a positive way is targeted in this way. It is horrific that this attack was premeditated and that people can be so vicious in their treatment of others.
I really just want to say I am so sorry that this has happened to you and I pray that you’re recovery will be a full and speedy one. Take good care of yourself in the meantime, such a shocking experience is bound to leave you traumatised. I hope you will be surrounded by love and goodness in your recovery.
Kind regards,
Maria Gallagher
Dear Dr Al-Qadri,
I was shocked to read of the attack on you and wish you a full and speedy recovery. I hope those involved are brought to justice.
I am Irish in England and have followed with interest your work in promoting harmony between different faith groups, your reaching out to Christians, Jews and Buddhists, etc.
Yours faithfully,
Declan McSweeney
Dear Sheikh Umar Al-Qadri.
We hear with horror the News about your premeditated attack. We totally condemn this racially driven behavior in our society.
You are in our tough.
Joyce and I wish you a speedy recovery.
Tomi Reichental , Holocaust Survivor
Dear friends,
I was shocked to hear of the assault on Dr Al-Qadri. I want to send my sympathy and assurances that he joins our brothers and sisters in Gaza in my prayers during these awful times.
In sincere solidarity and friendship,
Margaret Quinn
Dear Islamic friends,
I want to express my disgust at the attack on the Imam in Tallaght yesterday. Please be assured that the vast majority of non-Muslims in Ireland have no sympathy for, and no tolerance of, this kind of hatred of our Muslim brothers and sisters.
Please let me know if there is any public expression of disapproval of this attack.
Best regards,
Rory O’Donnell
Dear Dr Al-Qadri,
We heard about the awful attack on you yesterday and would like to express our heartfelt support for you at this very difficult time.
We wish you a full recovery and hope that the kind people who came to your assistance will, in time, shine brighter in your memory than the awful people who carried out the attack.
With very best wishes.
Julie O’Shea
Dr. Umar, very sorry to hear about the attack on you. I hope you feel better very soon. Iutside of racism that is clearly prevalent in Ireland the criminal justice system is clearly not for for purpose. It is simply too easy to deliberate other human beings in Ireland and face little to no significant consequences. Feel better soon and hopefully you can derive power to make positive changes in the country from such an unjust experience.
Just wanted to drop a quick dm to see how you are after hearing about your ordeal last night. I’m so sorry this happened to you and so angry that you were targeted in this way. Aside from the physical injuries the trauma of the attack must be hard to deal with If there is anything at all I can do for you then please don’t hesitate to ask, wishing you a quick recovery and hoping those who attacked you are apprehended and reprimanded by the justice system Don’t worry about replying I’m sure you are inundated with texts, dms & calls. Just rest & recover & remember there are more good people than bad and you have lots of people on your side, Doll Erin
Just wanted to drop a quick dm to see how you are after hearing about your ordeal last night. I’m so sorry this happened to you and so angry that you were targeted in this way. Aside from the physical injuries the trauma of the attack must be hard to deal with If there is anything at all I can do for you then please don’t hesitate to ask, wishing you a quick recovery and hoping those who attacked you are apprehended and reprimanded by the justice system Don’t worry about replying I’m sure you are inundated with texts, dms & calls. Just rest & recover & remember there are more good people than bad and you have lots of people on your side ❤️
Dear Umar, I’m very sorry to hear of the awful attack on you. We live in an extremely worrying times. I wish you a speedy physical recovery. I can only imagine that the psychological impact of an attack like this is horrible. Wishing you all the best, Marie
Senator Marie Sherlock
Oh dear, let me try that again without being all thumbs! You make a huge & positive contribution to our national conversation, I hope & you still will. Every good wish for a full and complete recovery. Conor Faughan
Hi Dr Al Qadri, so sorry to hear about last night and hope you’re on the mend
Sorry to read the news, solidarity my friend Minister Neale Richmond
Salaam dear Shaykh, I am very sorry to hear that you have been subject to a hate crime and suffered injuries. May the Almighty God provide you a speedy recovery through the intermediation of the Beloved Prophets and saints 🤲🏻❤️🩹Wayne Ramwell
Hope you make a speedy recovery 🙏 stay strong. One day, we will sit and talk about colonialism and its psychological effects on “settled” people. Keep well. Bernard
Dear Dr. I was deeply saddened to learn about the attack you experienced last night. It was truly appalling and shameful. My thoughts are with you for a swift recovery. Despite not being religious and holding strong reservations about the actions of the Catholic Church towards women and babies in our country, I acknowledge the significance of religion to many, including my grandparents. I send you my best wishes for healing. Your influential voice in Ireland serves as a beacon of unity, exemplifying bridge-building rather than division. Additionally, I am aware of the pain felt by many (including me) here in Ireland – not just by my many Muslim friends regarding the situation in Gaza. The actions of the Israelis are reprehensible and unacceptable. Please take care – we need your strong voice to advocate for the Palestine people ❤️ Is mise le meas, Amy
Best wishes & good recovery. I appreciate your balance & fairness in communication. You make a very solid & positive contribution to Irish society. Keep the faith 👍 Ruairi D
Dear Umar, I am thinking of you and hope you are doing OK. Rest up and take care. You are the bright light and I’m sorry you are going through this ordeal! Keep your great smile on your face and continue to be the very best person that you are ❤️ my thoughts are with you and your lovely family. Evan
Dr Umar. I am absolutely shocked and sad to hear what happened to you. This is horrific and shame. I wish you a speedy recovery. Please please take care of your self. Stay strong! Razan Ibraheem
Dear Shaykh Umar
It was with shock and sadness I learnt of your recent assault in Tallaght. Such assaults and hate
crimes are a serious and growing problem for our society and one which we much whole-heartly
condemn and address.
I pray you will have a swift and full recover from this awful.
Your sincerely
The Most Reverend Dr Michael Jackson
Archbishop of Dublin
Hello there,
Kingman, Arizona – I am deeply saddened to learn about the visious attack on Dr. Umar over the past 48 hours or so.
I wish him a speedy recovery and I ask him and all Irish Muslims to continue to demand that Ireland systematically acknowledges our serious violent problem.
I do NOT have all of the answers; however, I deem it very appropriate to introduce anti violence curricula instruction throughout the entire Irish Education system.
Peaceful resolution techniques and drug addiction awareness ought to be taught from primary school – Leaving Cert.
Kind regards, J. Flannery in Kingman,
Dear Dr Al-Qadri
I was appalled to read of the attack you sustained in Dublin, last night, on your social media posts.
As an Irish citizen, and someone who has my permanent home in Ireland, I find it sickening that you have been targeted in this way, especially when you contribute so consistently, generously, positively and intelligently to public discourse in Ireland – and do so much to foster societal cohesion.
I can only imagine how you are feeling in the aftermath of this attack, and just wanted to drop you a brief line, not only to assure you of my prayers, but also to reiterate that you and the Muslin community in Ireland are a welcome force for good. There is absolutely no need to reply to this – and I do hope you are soon feeling much better.
With all good wishes.
Simon.
The Reverend Simon Reynolds
Dearest Umar (if I may),
Heartful thanks for all of your work in the world.
Niall Dolan
I am very upset to hear of the senseless attack on Dr Quadri on Thursday evening in Tallaght. It is a shameful thing to have happened to such a good man. Dr Quadri is a voice of reason in our country and those who attacked and injured him are cowards and criminals- they have no support from me!
I hope that Dr al Quadri makes a speedy recovery and that the perpetrators are found and brought to justice. I hope too that Dr Al Quadri continues to do the magnificent work that he has always done without fear for his personal safety.
The tolerance and pacifism which he exemplifies, needs to be cherished, nurtured and protected for all our sakes. Sending you good wishes for a full recovery.
Yours sincerely, M O Driscoll Swords Dublin
Hello,
Just a short message to express my sincere sympathy to Dr Umar al-Qadri.
These Thugs do not represent Ireland. Dr Umar al-Qadri has always worked
for understanding between different cultures.
I wish him a speedy recovery. Inshallah.
Regards,
Joseph King
I am so disgusted and saddened by yesterday’s attack on this lovely man. I am ashamed that this is happening in my country. Dr Al Qadri has impressed me during interviews and appearances on TV by his intelligence and tolerance. I am not a religious person myself, but I could not fail to appreciate his attempts at connection and bridge building. I wish him well in his recovery.
Sincerely, Margaret Byrne.
Dear Dr. al qadri
I was so sorry to hear about the attack on you. I hope you will soon be well again and please be assured that there are many in Ireland who love and respect you.
Best Regards
Marie Hosty
Assalamu Alaykum ,Dr. Al Qadri ,My family and I were dismayed to learn of the ordeal you suffered .Insha Allah you will make a complete recovery in body and spirit.
Please accept our good wishes for your recovery and for your continued good work.
I am retired for the past eight years but spent 25 years working as teacher and principal of the Muslim National School, Clonskeagh.
It is a cause of great sadness to learn what happened to you.
May Allah teach us all to work together for the good of all.
Salaam Alaykum
Bernadette Brennan
Dear community of Dr Al Qadri
I am so sorry to hear the shocking news of the attack on Dr Al Qadri last night in Tallaght. as was outlined by Mr Ali on the news, Dr Al Qadri is an esteemed leader in the wider community and most welcoming to all. (Please forgive misspelling/ incorrect name/title for Dr Al Qadri’s friend.) Dr Al Qadri has done so much to further the cause of integration and understanding with his unrelenting focus on our common humanity. He is inspirational really. Unfortunately he wasn’t shown much humanity last night when he was attacked. I am glad that some locals went to his aid and grateful that as ever he sees the good where possible even in very frightening and deeply upsetting circumstances.
I wish Dr Al Qadri a full and speedy recovery and that he receives the support he needs from the authorities here as regards having the crime properly investigated.
Also for the Muslim community in Al Mostafa Mosque and farther afield, may I wish you safety and a sense of acceptance and belonging in the wider community.
If there are any initiatives coming out of this which I as a non Muslim can support please let me know. Alternatively perhaps I could give a donation to help with medical expenses or towards one of your charities as a token of my concern.
With good wishes
Maire O’Sullivan
Dear Dr. al-Qadri,
I was horrified to hear of the vicious attack you suffered last night and I wanted to reach out to you. I hope that is okay.
I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I hope you’re really okay and not badly injured.
I just wanted to wish you well and hope that you recover quickly and that nothing like this will ever happen to you, or any member of the community again.
Please take care of yourself and get better soon.
With kind regards and best wishes,
Deirdre NíMhórdha
We wish to condemn the attack on Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri, and send our good wishes to him for a full and speedy recovery.
We deplore all crimes, but specially ones prompted by hatred or racial abuse.
Trusting that this is an isolated incident and it won’t be repeated.
Let us all live in peace and freedom.
Yours sincerely,
Nancy & Frank Looney
Dear Dr. Umar Al Qadri,
We extend our deepest horror and disgust at the heinous attack on you yesterday, and we are shamed that such an act of contempt and hate is so visible and active in areas of our communities. These acts of cowardice serve only to highlight, the fear that Inclusivity and compassion leads all roads to Peace. Your undiluted passion and vigour to be of Service to not only the Islamic Communities, but to all Communities, reflects clearly how your values are based on Equality and Justice and most of all Peace for all.
The value of your contribution is so immense, it is a threat to these who benefit from different ideologies and values, and it is therefore a huge tribute to you and the constant major contribution you bring to all our people and our differing communities.
We hope you take some comfort in knowing this. Being Prophetic is being chosen, and being one who understands, which is clearly your path.
We wish you the best of all things, and that you experience God’s love and comfort in your recovery.
“Fortune ( always) favours the brave” !
We hope to meet you again when your are well, as we all continue our work to bring lasting Peace to those who fear it.
Kindest Regards,, Rita Lacey B.TH, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Michael Power FCA, Inna Kuzmenko
BELLS FOR PEACE!
A Chara Umar
I was very upset to hear that you had been assaulted yesterday. I hope you will recover quickly and have no long-term effects. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Beannachtaí
John Connolly
Dear Dr Al-Qadri,
I was appalled to read of the recent attack on you. I wish you a speedy recovery from your injuries.
You will be shaken by this scandalous and nasty attack but I want to join the voices of many Irish people to reassure you and all our Muslim brothers and sisters that the criminals who committed this assault are not representive of Irish people. We are proud that Ireland is becoming a more diverse country and we desperately want and need people of many faiths and backgrounds to continue to build a better society.
I believe that people in general are not good at hate but are driven to it by the circumstances of their lives and the inequalities they suffer, or are brought to hate by malicious leaders whose only thought is for themselves and the power they can gain. In my opinion the rise of intolerance in Ireland is related to economic injustices and while rightly condemning the vicious attack I know we also must try to understand where hate crimes come from and address the deeper issues — while still holding individuals to account.
My very best wishes to you — I hope that you will not be discouraged from continuing your very good work in support of peace and justice and that you know the vast majority of Irish people wish you well and, more than that, are embarrassed and sickened by the attack on you. It is an attack on all that Irish people have stood for since the foundation of our State: after all, the Proclamation of our Republic in 1916 says, “The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all the children of the nation equally”.
Sincerely,
Richard Hayes
Dear Dr Umar,
I am pleased to hear from you. Your kind words and willingness to forgive your attackers indicates to me how good a person you are. Once again I wish you a speedy recovery and extend my best wishes to you, your family and all in the Islamic community who continue to enrich our nation.
Shokran.
Joe Hannigan.
A Chara.
Fearaim fíorchaoin fáilte romhat go hÉirinn! Is oth liom go mór agus is cealg im chroí é an t-ionsaí a rinneadh ort le déanaí.
Tá droch-ghéaga i ngach áit ach is raidhsiúla agus is bisiúla go mór na dea-ghéaga.
Salam Allah Kum!
Séamus
Dear Dr Al Quadri
I was shocked to read in the newspaper today what had happened to you – a truly terrible crime. You have always been the voice of reason, tolerance, and compassion. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
Kindest regards
Chris Fitzpatrick
Dear Shaykh Umar,
I’m only know hearing of this horrible assault you had to endure. I hope you are ok and let me know if there’s anything I can do.
Warm regards,
Peter
Dr Peter Admirand
Deputy Head of School, Associate Professor of Theology, and Director, Centre for Interreligious Dialogue
I am contacting you to simply express my sorrow at the terrible and unacceptable attack
on Dr Umar Al-Qadri. I wish Dr Al-Qadri a speedy and full recovery. I am deeply disappointed that such a hate crime has been perpetrated. It was not in my name.
Regards, Niall Sheridan
So sorry to hear what happened to you Dr., and I hope you are making a good recovery.
It was not done in my name.
ANNE FLOOD
Dear Shaykh Umar,
Thank you for your lovely response to my message.
As a friend and student of Islam, I am moved and impressed by your response to the attack on you. It seems to me that you are modelling not only the best of human values, but divine attributes also, in as much as we can know them. My supervisor in TCD (I am a mature student in the MPhil programme on Contextual Theologies and Inter-faith Relations), responded with similar remarkable generosity. Originally from Sri Lanka, he was the subject of a racial attack by some young Irish men. He too wanted the Gardai to allow him to talk to them, so that he might understand and forgive.
My approach to Islam has largely, though not entirely, been through the study of Islamic art and exploration of the place of beauty in Islamic culture, theology and piety. My daughter and I visited the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the Alhambra and Jerusalem, as well as important collections of Islamic art in Athens and Berlin. Last year I attended a short course in Islamic drawing in Fez, and visited the wonderful madrasas there.
I called in to the mosque in Clonskeagh last year to buy some literature, and was told that I could attend Friday Prayers, if I sat at the back. I did not do so on that occasion, but would love to do so some time, if indeed that is possible. I know, and fully understand, that in most of the places I have visited, entry to the mosque is confined to Muslims.
I do hope you get a chance to communicate with your attackers, and that it has the effect it should have.
Best regards,
Rory
Dear Dr. Umar Al-Qadri,
I hope you are feeling better today after the distressing news of the past few days. I wanted to extend my sympathies and convey my deep concern regarding the horrible incidents you have faced as a victim of hate and racism. No one should ever have to endure such injustice, and it is disheartening to witness the impact it has on individuals like yourself.
I hope you know you are not alone, and there are people who genuinely care about your well-being, committed to fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone. If there’s anything I can do to support you during this time, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
May Allah grant you strength and courage during this challenging time.
Best regards,
Nuria
So very sorry to hear of the hate crime against this wonderful clerical leader.
Wishing him a speedy recovery and every good wish to him and his family.
From a concerned Christian in Co Cavan.
Sandra
We were horrified to hear of the savage attack on Dr. Umar Al-Qadri. Every year we read or hear his messages of peace and goodwill at Eid. We hope that he recovers fully and that the assailants were sufficiently stupid as to be easily identifiable from their address.
Sincerely, Patrick and Megan O’Beirne, Gorey
Dr Umar
You may not remember me but I worked in AIB blanchardstown and I would look after you when you came into the business cash area.
I am very sorry to hear what happened to you.
It was a malicious act caused to you. Those thugs must never have met you as they would have known that you are a gentleman, a man who speaks so eloquently, and has always been a person who is so respectful to those who meet him. I have seen you on different TV shows and I always felt that you are a driving force to ensure that people from all different backgrounds can get along together.
Sending you all good wishes and a speedy recovery
Sinéad O’Keeffe
Dear Umar,
I wrote to you once before, last August, to thank you for your inspiring words at Sinéad O Connor’s funeral service, which touched my heart and soul, and which have stayed with me.
I’m writing to you again now because I have been so deeply saddened and appalled by news of the hate crime you experienced last Thursday.
I hope that you are recovering from your physical injuries. I know that an attack like this also inflicts emotional and psychological injuries, and that it extends outwards and impacts the whole Muslim community in Ireland.
It’s difficult to adequately express how much sorrow I feel about this.
If there is any way that we can support and stand with you and the community, please let me know. The rise in racism and Islamophobia is extremely frightening, and we have to stand together to reject it and to articulate the kind of society we want to live in together — a safe, compassionate, multicultural country in which we all learn from each other, and enrich each other.
Wishing you good health, and sending gratitude to you for the powerful media interviews you have done.
May you be well and safe and supported.
Very best wishes,
Margaret
Dear Dr a-Qadri,
I was deeply saddened and offended to read of the attack and assault on you in my home city.
I don’t have words to tell you the sense of disgust I feel as a Christian—though I seriously doubt the evil people that did this barbarous crime deserve to be called by any religious name.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Do take care of yourself, and be assured that the good people of Ireland stand with you at this time.
May God bless and keep you.
Yours sincerely
Dr Brendan Devitt
Dear Esteemed Doctor Al-Qadri,
I was shocked and horrified to hear of the unprovoked attack which was committed against you here in Dublin last week.
I am Irish and Christian and I was disgusted to hear about this crime towards you.
Please note that I am an ally for all Muslims and that I will never condone such racist and horrendous abuse or attacks on anybody.
I want to wish for you a very speedy recovery and I wish you all the very best. There are those of us who will never tolerate such hate in our community.
With many best regards,
Mike Murtagh
Best wishes to the venerable Imam after his horrific recent attack.
May he make a prompt and full recovery from his ordeal and continue his work in our country.
A Dubliner, Jezza
Dear Dr. Umar,
My name is David Brown and I live in Tralee, Co. Kerry.
The reason I am sending you this email is having listened to you on the radio this afternoon I just had to “express my utter abhorrence” to hear you were “set-up and attacked” recently in Dublin .
On behalf of all the “Good People” in our little Country … I am so sorry.
To your wife and family and your wonderful “Community in Ireland” I am so, so sorry. My prayer is that the Garda will find “all” of those involved and that justice will prevail.
I am a Roman Catholic myself but for many years I have listened to you and I have always found you to be a “Holy Man and a Man of Great Peace”.
Your community is really blessed to have such an Imam.
Every kind wish, Yours sincerely
David Brown BSc.
Dear Dr Umar Al-Qadri,
We heard your interview on RTÉ radio this afternoon, and wanted to send a message of solidarity following the recent attack on you.
We were horrified to hear about the attack. While it’s sadly undeniable that there is racism in Irish society, we hope and firmly believe that the people who attacked you are not representative of Irish society, or of our community here in Dublin 15.
As far as we are concerned, Muslims and people of all religions and nationalities are welcome in our community – and violence of this kind is totally unacceptable.
We send you and your family our very best wishes. And we send solidarity and support to the Islamic community that you represent.
Bernard Harbor and Julie Healy,
Dear Dr. Umar,
My name is David Brown and I live in Tralee, Co. Kerry.
The reason I am sending you this email is having listened to you on the radio this afternoon I just had to “express my utter abhorrence” to hear you were “set-up and attacked” recently in Dublin . On behalf of all the “Good People” in our little Country … I am so sorry.
To your wife and family and your wonderful “Community in Ireland” I am so, so sorry. My prayer is that the Garda will find “all” of those involved and that justice will prevail.
I am a Roman Catholic myself but for many years I have listened to you and I have always found you to be a “Holy Man and a Man of Great Peace”.
Your community is really blessed to have such an Imam.
Every kind wish,
Yours sincerely, David Brown BSc.
Best wishes to the venerable Imam after his horrific recent attack.
May he make a prompt and full recovery from his ordeal and continue
his work in our country.
A Dubliner
Jezza
Dear Esteemed Doctor Al-Qadri,
I was shocked and horrified to hear of the unprovoked attack which was committed against you here in Dublin last week.
I am Irish and Christian and I was disgusted to hear about this crime towards you.
Please note that I am an ally for all Muslims and that I will never condone such racist and horrendous abuse or attacks on anybody.
I want to wish for you a very speedy recovery and I wish you all the very best. There are those of us who will never tolerate such hate in our community.
With many best regards,
Mike Murtagh
Dear Dr a-Qadri,
I was deeply saddened and offended to read of the attack and assault on you in my home city.
I don’t have words to tell you the sense of disgust I feel as a Christian—though I seriously doubt the evil people that did this barbarous crime deserve to be called by any religious name.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Do take care of yourself, and be assured that the good people of Ireland stand with you at this time.
May God bless and keep you.
Yours sincerely
Dr Brendan Devitt
Dear Umar,
I wrote to you once before, last August, to thank you for your inspiring words at Sinéad O Connor’s funeral service, which touched my heart and soul, and which have stayed with me.
I’m writing to you again now because I have been so deeply saddened and appalled by news of the hate crime you experienced last Thursday.
I hope that you are recovering from your physical injuries. I know that an attack like this also inflicts emotional and psychological injuries, and that it extends outwards and impacts the whole Muslim community in Ireland.
It’s difficult to adequately express how much sorrow I feel about this.
If there is any way that we can support and stand with you and the community, please let me know. The rise in racism and Islamophobia is extremely frightening, and we have to stand together to reject it and to articulate the kind of society we want to live in together — a safe, compassionate, multicultural country in which we all learn from each other, and enrich each other.
Wishing you good health, and sending gratitude to you for the powerful media interviews you have done.
May you be well and safe and supported.
Very best wishes, Margaret
Hi,
I would like to wish Dr Al Qadri a full and speedy recovery from the injuries he sustained in that terrible assault, these people who committed this assault don’t represent anyone but there own bitter ideas.
Best Regards, Andrew
Dear Dr. Al Qadri,
I was very sorry to hear about the attack you sustained at the weekend.
I heard about your awful experience on twitter.
I am moved by your courageous voicing of support for an inclusive and diverse Ireland that welcomes all who need protection in our country. Your love will conquer hate.
You have provided guidance to our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee on the TU Dublin Blanchardstown Campus over the years and our students studying on our campus here are lucky to have you as a spiritual and communitarian guide in our community. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Kind regards, Dr. Liam McGlynn
TU Dublin
Dear Dr. Umar,
I was utterly disgusted and horrified to learn of the dreadful assault on you. It’s appalling. You are such a lovely person with the most wonderful and admirable views. I have been an admirer of yours for many years. I had the great pleasure of speaking to you a few years ago when you addressed a meeting at the Spire in Dublin. I congratulated you for your compassion and your reasonable and rational opposition to extremism.
I found you to be a perfect gentleman and very warm and friendly. It was a joy to talk to you. God bless you. You are exactly what a believer in God /Allah should be.
I was completely shocked and upset to hear that you had been violently attacked at night in Tallaght. I can’t understand who would do such an evil thing to such a good person.
Ireland has become more right-wing and racist lately. Thugs are burning buildings set aside to accommodate refugees. We saw the horrific scenes of looting and violence in O’Connell St a couple of months ago when buses, police cars and the Luas were set alight. Violent thugs roamed the city centre. This was deliberately organised by extreme right-wing characters who used the Internet to encourage brainless thugs to attack people and destroy our city. Horrible and very worrying. These people are beyond reason. They are dangerous trouble makers. We need more police on our streets and proper sentences to reflect the seriousness of the situation.
I am praying for you, Dr. Umar, and your family. Your family must have been very shocked at the horrible attack on you.
Let me assure you that the vast majority of Irish people are good and decent and I know they are disgusted and sickened by the violent attack on you. Everybody likes and respects and admires you.
God bless and protect you. I pray you will make a full recovery.
Sincerely,
Anthony.
Dear Umar,
My name is Donal Kenny, I am a Muslim revert from Mullingar. I am appalled over what happened to you from those cowardly thugs.
Please do not stop being a shining light for Muslims in Ireland.
I sometimes attend mosque in Clonskeagh and I am friends with Dr Ali Selim. Who is a wonderful man. Mashallah. I hope to meet you and be brave. Allah SWT is with you. I hope you can continue to do your work. But unfortunately there is now an element of fear. I will make dua for you.
Asalamu Alaykum
Donal
I am appalled and saddened by the recent attack on
Dr Al Qadri .
This does not represent the views of the vast majority of Irish people and should never happen in our society.
I wish Dr Al Qadri a full and speedy recovery.
Best wishes to him, his family and the Muslim community here
Frank
Dear Dr al-Qadri ,
I just wish to express my horror at the recent attack on you reported on the news. I hope that you can recover as well as possible from this shameful attack.
I have seen you on television a number of times over the years shedding positive light on the Islamic faith and expressing your love for Ireland and the Irish people. I believe I also recall you speaking out against Islamic extremism. You have always projected a message of love and openness.
I find the recent acts of hatred against immigrants and asylum seekers very disturbing and this small destructive contingent does not represent the vast majority of Irish people, and please God people will reject this emerging negative behaviour.
Wishing you and all members of the Islamic community all the very best. Here’s to a wonderful diverse inclusive Ireland.
Best regards
Mark Murphy
Dr Umar, I’m so sorry to see you suffered an attack by the hands of those who do not represent the majority of Irish people. Remember those that helped you and remember there are more of those kind of people in this world than the sick people that attacked you. I hope in time you recover in full from this horrible experience
Lucia
Dear Umar,
I was very sorry to hear about your recent injury.
I wish you a full and speedy recovery,
Best Regards,
Ray Robinson.
Dr Umar I just want to say how sorry I am to hear of the violence towards you yesterday.I have always admired your work and dealing with the Community May God Bless you and restore you to good health very soon. I pray for your recovery should say I’m irish catholic and respect Dr Umars work very much God Bless him and he’s family and community Eileen Lavery
I am utterly disgusted and appalled by what happened to you last night. Any form of hate crime or discrimination on the basis of religion or otherwise, must be loudly rejected by all right thinking people. I wish you a speedy recovery and I sincerely hope the Gardai arrest and severely punish the perpetrators.
Dear Al-Qadri, I was most upset to read that you were assaulted in Dublin. You are a man of peace, an examplary citizen and a good man. I hope you recover quickly from your injuries and that you will soon be back preaching. I’m horrified that this attack was visited upon you. My closest friends are Muslims who I’ve had the privilege of knowing for over 15 years. This attack is a new low and deeply saddens the vast majority of Irish people. With every best wish, Mark
I live in Tallaght and am so sorry for what has happened to you, horrific. Wishing you a speedy recovery and all the best to you and your family. Barbara Ledwidge
Dear Umar, I hope that you and your family are ok. Undoubtedly this incident has not just been a physical ordeal but has rocked your faith in your country. People who act out of hatred will not tolerated by Irish society. A harm to one of our community is a harm to all. Wishing you the very best. In solidarity and empathy, Rachel
Hi,
I just heard of the attack on Dr Umar Al-Qadri.
I am very sorry to hear about this, this is not how almost all Irish people are.
I wish him a speedy recovery and wish to offer my sympathy and support
Is mise le meas
Seamus Begley
I utterly condemn the attack on the Imam.
This was not done in my name, and does not represent the Ireland in which I want to live.
I wish him a speedy recovery.
I am writing to send the best wishes of my family and I on the recent disgraceful attack on you and to wish you a full and speedy recovery. We are absolutely appalled at the attack on you.
Best wishes and God bless you.
Best regards,
Peter Byrne.
Dear Dr. Umar Al Qudri,
I am relieved and delighted to see you are recovering well from your attack. I am so disgusted that this has happened to you in our country. Please accept my apologies for your ordeal and hope the attackers are caught and brought before the courts.
I will pray for your full recovery and wish you all the best in the future.
Kind regards,
Robert Gill
I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about the attack on Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri. I hope he feels 100% well soon.
Regards, Niamh
Dear Dr. Al-Qadri,
I have just opened my newspaper and read about the awful attack on you. I wanted to immediately send my best wishes to you for a quick and full recovery.
I am very saddened that our country has come to this point where we attack each other because of religion or ethnicity, especially a man of peace like yourself.
I am 62 years old and remember the grey cold Ireland of the past when Ireland was a colourless, sad place, obsessed with the past and a very narrow view of God and religion.
I won’t waste your time. Thank you for being so magnanimous in what you said following the attack. You know we are good people in the main, like all people, but there is a poison spreading through the world and we are not immune unfortunately.
I wish you the very best in your recovery and your work.
May God bless you.
Yours sincerely,
Hugh Byrne
Hi,
I just wanted to say how disgusted I am by what I read on RTE News about the attack on Dr Umar. Someone who has lived in Ireland the last 21 years, probably almost longer than his assailants have been alive!
A naturalized Irishman who has more of a rite to be on our Island than the racists who assaulted him, in my opinion! I am really horrified by the rise of the right wing in Ireland, and although there is still no reputable party for the right in Ireland I fear that a small group of people are doing irreparable harm to our reputation as a welcoming, generous nation.
I hope this email reaches Dr Umar and I wish him a speedy recovery.
Best wishes,
Colum
Hi, I would to express my sympathy to Dr Al-Qadri after his assault in Tallaght yesterday. Without knowing who the perpetrators were, it is unfortunately clear that Ireland has a small but virulent extreme right wing element who are focussed on sowing distrust within our community.
I believe that they will fail in their objective, as the vast majority of the population on this island desire to live in a peaceful, tolerant, multi-cultural society.
I wish Dr Al-Qadri a speedy recover, and I trust that he will not be intimidated by the actions of these thugs.
Yours sincerely
Michael O’Hara
Hello.
On behalf of the Principal and staff and students of Larkin Community College, we are sorry to hear of the attack on one of your community. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kind regards,
Máire O’Higgins
Chaplain
Larkin Community College
Dear Sir / Madam
Please convey my best wishes to Dr. Al-Qadri. I hope he is recovering and will make a full recovery in the coming days.
As an Irishman I find the attack appalling and want to say clearly that such attacks are not representative. I think the Doctor knows that but it might be good to be reminded.
Best wishes
Liam Woods
I wish to express my deepest sympathies to Dr Umar Al-Qadri on the horrific assault he suffered yesterday. I wish him a full and speedy recovery and extend my best wishes to him and the whole Irish Muslim community.
Those who assaulted him are to be utterly condemned and please be assured that there are many people in our country who will do their utmost to stop this awful plague of hatred and racism that is happening in our shared nation.
With Best Wishes,
Dr Fiona Henry
Hi,
I wish to express my upset at the attack on Dr. Al-Qadri. He is a good man who works for cross community relationships and the betterment of people in Ireland. I hope he makes a swift recovery.
Regards,
James Daly, Cork
I wish to express my condemnation of the shameful attack on Dr Al-Qadri.
I do hope he will make a full recovery soon and I wish him well.
James Quinn
Hello,
I wanted to drop a note to say how horrified I was to hear of the attack in the newspaper on Dr Al-Quadri. And to wish him all the best in his recovery.
I’m no longer on twitter or any social media so maybe you can pass this onto him.
No need to reply.
Thanks
Gavin
Dear Dr Umar Al-Qadri,
I was so sorry to hear about the horrific attack on you last night in Tallaght. I am embarrassed that this happened to you in this country that has always been so welcoming and tolerant. I despair where we are heading as some elements move towards the (far) right. These people do not speak for me and the the vast majority of people on this island. I am sorry for what you and your community face on a daily basis. These people are right, Ireland is full. Full of those idiots.
I wish you a speedy recovery,
Rob Fallon.
Sincere and heartfelt best wishes to Dr Umars recovery.
He is a victim of hate and these evil people just want to stir up racism. It’s Dr Umar today..someone elses son or daughter tomorrow.
Please pass on our thoughts and prayers that he recovers and knows that he was attacked because he is the opposite of those people.
Bad things happen when good people look away. We all love Ireland and don’t need those thugs. I hope they get severely punished by the law.
Kind Regards
Helen and Michael
To whom it may concern,
I’d like to express my sincere best wishes for the speedy recovery of Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri.
I’m horrified and disgusted by the attack on a decent man. It’s particularly disgraceful that he was lured there as part of his work in the Islamic community. There is no place for such a hatefully aggresive incident in Ireland.
I hope he feels better soon and can return to his valuable work very soon.
With every best wish,
Tara Murphy
I saw the earlier news regarding the awful hate motivated attack on Dr Al-Qadri in Tallaght.
Please be assured that those of us who are Irish and non Muslim condemn wholeheartedly this attack on a decent good living law abiding member of society.
We pray the perpetrators are caught quickly and the scales of justice prevail.
Wishing Dr Umar a speedy recovery.
Yours sincerely
Patricia Burke
Hi,
Please pass on my disgust and warmest best wishes for a speedy recovery to Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Quadri after the horrific attack carried out on him recently. I was shocked and sickened to hear this news.
This is not the Ireland I grew up in any more unfortunately, as a very nasty tendency is taking hold. As you know, the Irish as a race have migrated to -and been welcomed in, so many parts of the world, making us the last people on Earth who should harbour such open hatred towards our fellow human beings. I lived and worked in England in the 1980’s. During that time, IRA atrocities were a constant threat to British people both at home and in some cases, abroad, yet not once, not on one single occasion did my wife or I ever feel the slightest hint of hatred or threats towards us.
Please be assured that the perpetrators of this awful crime do not represent the vast majority of the people of Ireland, no more than the activities of the IRA did in the 80’s. This is not who we are and the actions of the local lady who came to his aid speaks much louder than those of his hate-filled attackers. He, and you all in the Muslim Council are doing genuinely great work in both catering for the needs of your members but also in contributing to Irish society in general in this 21st century, whether you realise this or not. His attackers and those who radicalise them do not agree, but Ireland is thriving on diversity and long may this be the case. Keep up the good work.
Best wishes,
Ciaran
As-salamu alaikum,
I wish Dr Umar Al-Qadri a full and speedy recovery. I was disappointed to read of his experience in Dublin.
Best wishes,
Paul
Dear Sir,
Can I express our disgust at the attack on your colleague, convey our wishes that he makes a speedy and full recovery and our hope that his nearest and dearest know that this is not representative of their fellow Irishmen and women.
Kind regards
Nell Plunkett
Dear Dr Al Quadri,
I wish to express my support for and solidarity with you at this difficult time. I hope you are recovering.
I think the first time that I became aware of you was when I saw a documentary on the life of Tomi Reichental on Television in April 2018. His plea for tolerance and inclusion struck a deep chord in me. And his relationship with you and with the Muslim community impressed me.
I have no difficulty remembering when it was that I saw that documentary because it was on the same day that I had heard back from the Irish Red Cross concerning my offer to Pledge a Room to a Syrian refugee then living in Ballaghadreen. I had been building up to making this committment and then I panicked and could well have changed my mind. You and Tomi saved the day.
Belal came to stay, a traumatised young man. We got on well, most of the time. Later I helped him to prepare to welcome his family under family reunification.
I got to know his friends in Navan and saw how difficult it was for them to integrate. Community Sponsorship had arrived and the first community to welcome a family under this framework was Dunshaughlin. I decided to do likewise in Kells and our group has since welcomed 2 Syrian families and pledged to accompany them on the first 2 years of their lives in Ireland. But we will always be there as their friends.
More recently I have had, at different times since Oct 21, several Afghan refugees sharing my home. They had all moved on, when an opportunity to bring the family of one of those young women, Karima, to Ireland. The family of 9 arrived in Nov and are now, along with Karima, living in my home. Im eksewhere temporarily.
I cannot express the joy these people bring to my life. The support of our community has been wonderful. The Irish Refugee Protection Programme mandates us to find housing and to raise a minimum of 10,000 euro to support them, English language tuition, education etc. Up to now it has never been difficult. I just want to tell the story and spread the love. Instead of condemning the hate mongers I try, within myself, to think of what they are missing, if they only knew. However, my fellow committee members have become very cautious, anxious about publicizing our fundraising etc.
Im going to share with you the content of a message I put up on Facebook last night that I hope will bring a smile to your face.
“I know a beautiful, newly arrived Afghan child, aged 9, who has just started school. Is she in any way going to dilute our sense of who we are, to dilute our sense of nationhood? Has she hang ups about our national language? No. She announced tonight, while speaking Farsi, with her older sister translating, that Irish is easier than English! “. It pains me to see those peddling a narrative of hate using our national flag as a prop.
Id love if we could meet sometime and perhaps if my Syrian friends might like to come along. The Afghans are more likely to pray in Milltown
God bless you.
Mary Coffey.
Dear Dr Umar,
I don’t normally make contact with those I don’t know and haven’t met, but I feel obliged to write to you on this occasion.
I am truely horrified and disgusted at the recent deliberate attack on you in Dublin. This is not the Ireland I grew up in or want it to be. We Irish have long been know for our hospitality and respect for others, but I’m afraid in recent years this has been eroded by those trying to create division and stoke fear for their own gain. They will try every means possible to succeed, but they will never overcome the silent majority who will continue to ensure this country is a warm and welcoming place for those who do not meet their narrow view of what it is to be Irish.
I wish you a speedy recovery and hope that this has not tarnished your view of us. When you see beyond the small groups of bigots we are still the caring, respectable people we always were.
Best wishes
Paddy Connery
Dear Dr. Al-Qadri,
I was horrified to hear about the attack on you in recent days. Such behaviour is not tolerated by the vast majority of Irish people.
I can understand the fear that such an attack can cause and hope that you recover quickly, both physically and mentally.
I am keeping you in my thoughts.
Sean, Tipperary
