Dublin, Ireland – A senior Muslim cleric in Dublin, Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, has reported being the victim of a hate crime after a brutal attack on Thursday night. Dr Al-Qadri, who is the Chairperson of the Irish Muslim Council, stated that he had arranged to meet with two individuals in the Tallaght area of South Co Dublin, only to be assaulted in what he described as a planned attack.
On social media, Dr Al-Qadri shared his ordeal, expressing gratitude to a kind Irish lady and two Irish gentlemen who came to his aid after the attack. He revealed that he was currently receiving medical care at the hospital for injuries sustained during the assault. Dr Al-Qadri, a well-known Muslim cleric who operates a mosque in West Dublin, mentioned that he was hospitalized and underwent a CT scan, which thankfully showed no brain injury or broken jaw. However, he suffered severe facial swelling and dental damage.
Following the incident, Gardai confirmed that the matter is under investigation as an alleged assault and robbery. Dr Al-Qadri was quoted expressing surprise that the men he had arranged to meet were Irish, as he had expected them to be migrants. He recounted being attacked from behind and later waking up confused in his car, surrounded by helpful Irish neighbors who came to his aid. Friends of Dr Al-Qadri, including Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental, condemned the attack, calling it a hate crime and wishing him a full recovery.
In a statement, Reichental condemned the assault, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open, democratic, and pluralist society where everyone can practice their beliefs without fear of intimidation or violence. Additionally, a friend of Dr Al-Qadri, Assad Ali, recounted the incident and expressed gratitude to the locals who intervened and rescued him. The assault has sparked widespread criticism and calls for justice.