Islamic clerics accused of spreading hate and inciting violence may face legal action, with the national Jewish body claiming that anti-Semitic remarks were not being prosecuted.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) plans legal action against alleged hate speech by self-described Islamic preachers in Sydney Wissam Haddad, “Brother Ismail,” “Brother Mohammed,” and Sheik Ahmed Zoud.
ECAJ President Daniel Aghion called the “grossly anti-Semitic” statements “outrageous and disgusting.”
“One can only imagine the entirely justifiable outcry if any such rank vilification were expressed from a synagogue pulpit about Muslims.”
Further, he noted the Jewish community was “deeply disappointed and distressed” that no action had been taken in response to serious incidents of hate speech since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and more than 200 people taken hostage.
“If existing laws are not fit for the purpose of dealing with this hate-filled bile, and the stoking of violence, then the law should be reformed as a matter of urgency. Taking legal action discourages this completely unacceptable behaviour and supports Australia’s future as a peaceful and cohesive society,” Mr. Aghion said.
“Whilst we still have hope that the relevant authorities will act on these matters, our organisation will pursue the legal remedies that are available to us against those who have preached hate and promoted violence. We must protect our own community. In doing so, we will be protecting all Australians from racist behaviour.”
The council hasn’t specified the legal action it will take but has previously lodged complaints with the Australian Human Rights Commission for alleged breaches of racial discrimination laws.
Last month, it urged state and federal governments to create a national campaign to educate people about the impact of anti-Semitism on the community.
ECAJ Co-CEO Alex Ryvchin mentioned lives are lost when preachers and clerics use their platforms to incite violence.
Police Drop Investigations, Citing No Breach of Laws
The New South Wales (NSW) police previously looked into Brother Ismail’s statements, where he said the government was cornering Muslims and advocated for jihad as a solution during a sermon at the Al Madina Dawah Centre in southwest Sydney in October.
“The content of the speeches were reviewed, with legal advice from parties independent of the investigators obtained,” a NSW police spokesman said.
“The NSW Police Force understands it does not meet the threshold of any criminal offence. There will be no further investigation into the matter.”
The abandoned inquiry sparked outrage in the Jewish community.
Former Australian Ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma said police must enforce the law and make arrests.
“Until the wider community understands that such hateful speech and incitement to violence against our Jewish community is not only unacceptable but also unlawful, this disgusting spike in anti-Semitism will continue,” he said.
Islamic community leaders have also reported a rise in racism and hate speech in Australia amid tensions over the conflict in Gaza on Oct. 7.
Israel’s subsequent bombardment, blockade, and ground invasion resulted in the death of over 22,800 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-backed Gaza health ministry.
The rising death toll has led to calls from Palestinian supporters for the government to take a stronger stance in condemning Israel’s retaliatory actions.
“The Australian government has a duty to its citizens and the international community to play its role in stopping the massacres from continuing,” it said.
