Tourist in Blue Mountains takes ‘anti-Semitic pride’ in Hamas attacks: Jewish leader

A visitor to an iconic Blue Mountains tourist attraction has sparked outrage for donning a pro-Palestinian jersey referencing October 7, attracting condemnation from both sides of the political aisle.

Seen at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, what appears to be a homemade football jersey – with the colours of the Palestinian flag, a watermelon and the words "October 7".

A man wearing a soccer jersey seemingly glorifying the October 7 terror attack on Israel while at a Blue Mountains tourist attraction has been lashed by Premier Chris Minns as “completely reprehensible”, as NSW Police investigate the incident.

Police are investigating a photo taken on Saturday at Scenic World in Katoomba, in which a man can be seen wearing a football-style jersey emblazoned with the date ‘October 7’ and the black, green and red colours of the Palestinian flag decorating the sleeves and collar.

Above the text on the back of the jersey is a small watermelon icon. The watermelon has been a symbol of Palestinian resistance since the 1960s, and is often used by current pro-Palestinian activists as a stand-in for the Palestinian flag.

NSW Police said the incident had not been previously reported to them, however after being made aware of the jersey by The Daily Telegraph, officers from the Blue Mountains command attended Scenic World on Sunday to see if anyone saw the shirt. No charges have been laid.

It is understood the man’s outfit was reported to management at the attraction at the time. Scenic World was contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline.

In an image shared with The Daily Telegraph, a man can be seen at Scenic World in the Blue Mountains wearing a Palestinian flag-coloured shirt with the words ‘October 7’.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the jersey’s slogan was “reprehensible” and divisive.

“What an odious thing to celebrate,” he said.

“Wearing a shirt celebrating a terror attack is completely reprehensible. Behaviour like this does nothing but further divide our community and incite racial hatred.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the reference to the October 7 attacks, in which Hamas militants killed more than 1100 people, including nearly 700 Israeli civilians, amounts to a display of “anti-Semitic pride”.

“We’re living in a time when individuals feel they can publicly declare their support for the mass murder, rape and torture of Jewish people with pride and impunity,” he said.

“The October 7 atrocities unleashed an outpouring of anti-Semitic pride in those who identify with the Palestinians.”

ECAJ Co-CEO Alex Ryvchin in Sydney. Picture: John Feder

NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman said the jersey’s slogan “beggars belief”.

“October 7 marks the day of an abhorrent act of terrorism, and it absolutely beggars belief that someone would choose to promote and celebrate that act,” Mr Speakman said.

“It is offensive and inhumane to celebrate or mock dates like October 7, September 11 or October 12. Instead we should remember these dates with proper solemnity.”

Scenic World is a popular tourist attraction in Katoomba for both international and local visitors, with its cable car views of the Three Sisters. Picture: Paul Lojszczyk/Getty Images

Laws criminalising Nazi hate symbols came into effect in January, banning the Nazi salute and making “praising the doing of a terrorist act” a criminal offence in certain circumstances.

A NSW government spokesperson said the threatening or inciting violence “by a public act” is also an offence under section 93Z of the Crimes Act, as determined by police “on a case-by-case basis”.

“A “public act” includes any conduct observable by the public, including actions, gestures and wearing or displaying clothing, signs, flags, emblems and insignia,” they said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns described the outfit as “odious”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

The jersey incident comes one month after a Sydney motorist was spotted driving around with number plates reading “OCT7TH”. The custom licence plates were subsequently recalled, and Transport for NSW’s complaints processes overhauled. It is not suggested the owner intended to cause offence.

In February a Sydney imam called for a “Jihad” to “liberate and retrieve Palestine” during a sermon at a Lakemba mosque, The Sunday Telegraph today revealed.

Mr Ryvchin called on all Australians to “fight and resist” the “disturbing” trend before it becomes normalised.