A nationwide blood drive campaign has been launched in honour of Faraz Tahir, a security guard who was fatally stabbed in the Bondi massacre last Saturday afternoon.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Australia (AMYA) partnered with Red Cross Lifeblood to launch the campaign, naming it “Faraz’s Gift”.
The AYMA said the initiative was a way to extend the 30-yer-old’s legacy, who was protecting the public when he was stabbed by Joel Cauchi, and it’s a way that many Australians can act to help others in the community following the trauma of last weekend. Especially at a time when many may be feeling powerless to help.
“With ‘Faraz’s Gift’, we honour Faraz and the five courageous individuals who lost their lives, by inviting Australians to help continue their legacy,” Adnan Qadir, President of AMYA, said. “This blood drive is a tribute to their spirit of community service and bravery. We deeply encourage everyone to join us in this lifesaving mission as a profound way to remember and extend their protection and care.”
The AYMA said that Faraz Tahir was a “beacon of courage and dedication”, having sought refuge in Australia a year ago from persecution in his home country of Pakistan, and had quickly became an integral part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
By encouraging people around Australia to donate blood, the “Faraz’s Gift” campaign aims to mirror his dedication to helping others, an inspiring legacy of compassion and bravery.
Those who are wanting to participate in the campaign can register by searching for “Faraz’s Gift” on the Red Cross Lifeblood website.
Every donation can make a huge difference.
“The Holy Quran beautifully articulates the value of life, stating, ‘ … And whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind …’ (Quran 5:33). Faraz’s brave actions during this crisis personified this sacred verse, as his selflessness preserved the lives of others at the cost of his own,” Qadir added.
“We invite all Australians to contribute to this significant endeavour. Each donation can save up to three lives, continuing the protective legacy that Faraz and the other victims left behind.”
Tahir will be farewelled on April 26th. Family and friends of Tahir and the Ahmadiyya Muslim community will hold funeral prayers for him at the Masjid Baitul Huda mosque in Sydney’s north-west.
Tahir had moved to Australia through a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees program.
He had worked just four or five shifts at Westfield, Ahmad said. Yet, on Saturday afternoon – his first daytime shift at the centre – his new life here was cut tragically short.
In a statement released shortly after the stabbing, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community remembered Tahir as “a cherished member of our community and a dedicated security guard”.
“He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness.”