As Islamophobia rises, Australia's Muslims celebrate Eid

Recent events abroad and at home have fuelled an ongoing surge of Islamophobia in Australia.

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The mosque was hosting a community Iftar: the evening meal that marks the end of daily fasting in Ramadan.

The tables were divided into sections, marked by buffet stations labelled 'women' and 'men', and as the sun went down families brought out boxes of dates to break their fast, offering them around to neighbours and other guests.

Yet despite the family-friendly vibe of this event, a police surveillance trailer parked in the road - complete with 360 cameras on tall poles - spoke to fears among the community. After being on the receiving end of several threats, community leaders requested extra police presence throughout Ramadan. They also employed private security.

"We are going through very challenging times at the moment for the Muslim community and Australia in general," said Gamel Kheir, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association, who organised the community Iftar.