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It is with great sorrow that the Council announces that former Chairman and longstanding executive member Kemal Ismen passed away on the morning of Wednesday 29 April 2009 following a long illness.
 
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun.
(From God we come and to God we return)
 
Kemal Ismen migrated to Australia from Turkey in 1969. He has had a long history of service to the Australian Muslim and broader communities. Apart from his active involvement in the trade union movement, Mr Ismen served on numerous Boards and Committees representing Turkish and broader Muslim affairs.
 
He has served as the Council’s Chairman from 2004-2008, and was a member of the Executive for a period of some 15 years. He also served as the President of the Bonnyrigg Muslim Association and was a leading figure in founding and establishing a Mosque in Bonnyrigg and overseeing its construction.
 
Mr Ismen was also appointed to former Prime Minister John Howard’s Muslim Community Reference Group in 2005/6 providing invaluable guidance on issues affecting the Australian Muslim community.
 
Mr Ismen is survived by his wife and three children.
 
The traditional jenazah (funeral) prayer will be conducted insh’Allah (God willing) on 30 April, 2009 after zuhr (early afternoon) prayers at the Bonnyrigg Mosque, 10-12 Bibby’s Pl, Bonnyrigg. Following prayers, mourners will proceed to the Islamic section of Rookwood Cemetery for burial.
 
Paying tribute to Mr Ismen, Council Chairman Khaled Sukkarieh remarked: “Brother Kemal was a visionary who dedicated his life to serving Turkish and Muslim communities. He has left behind a great legacy, and he was a source of unity and strength for Muslims in our state and across the country.”
 
For further information please contact Ali on 0414 244 442 or Sezgin on 0412 020 643.
 
Islamic Council of NSW
 
 
29 April 2009