The Beechmount community gathered on Wednesday evening to support families who are living in fear following a racist attack.
Paint was thrown over a wall and the word ‘local’ was daubed on the brickwork of a family home in Beechmount Street earlier this week.
The PSNI said the incident is believed to have happened sometime between 12pm on Sunday and 8am on Monday.
Wednesday’s rally was organised by the Beechmount Residents’ Collective, with dozens gathering to hear speeches from appalled residents and representatives.
Sean Doherty, of the BRC, said other families have been contacting them, fearful they could be targeted next.
“It’s good to see the people of west Belfast and Beechmount coming together in solidarity against these recent attacks that shouldn’t be happening at all. It’s so important that we stand together and show this will not be tolerated in our area.
“It’s not just the one family there are others in the area in contact who have told us they’re living in fear because of the attack. They’re asking us if they’re next and we have told them no one will live in fear because we are here to stand by your side when anything like this happens and we hope this is a one off for our community.”
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll told the Irish News Wednesday’s turnout showed the attack was not reflective of the community.
“It’s great to see so many people out taking a stand against racism. We heard from the speakers that this attack is not reflective of this community. They are supportive of their migrant brothers and sisters, value their neighbours and respect their contribution to society.
“This attack was disgusting but people have come out in their droves to condemn it and show it is a tiny minority, which is so important given all the problems faced by communities and the attempt to scapegoat a group of people who are not to blame for the societal crisis.”
Meanwhile, the Irish language community has launched west Belfast’s inaugural anti-racism week, celebrating the area’s increasing cultural diversity.
Fáilte 25 will take place between 17-23rd February.