Islamic Council of Victoria president Mohamed Mohideen accused of sharing ‘divisive’ post

The Islamic Council of Victoria president has been accused of posting “offensive” online content against the Jewish community in the lead-up to the firebombing of a Ripponlea synagogue.

One of Victoria’s most prominent muslim leaders has been accused of posting “offensive and divisive” online content against Jews in the lead-up to the firebombing of a Ripponlea synagogue.

Just days before the arson attack, Multicultural Commissioner and new Islamic Council of Victoria president Mohamed Mohideen re-shared a LinkedIn post which accused Jews of setting up “terrorism cells” across Europe and Asia to share child abuse.

The post, by The Geopolitical Analyst, shared a video from US news network of eight Israeli nationals being arrested over cybercrime in the Philippines.

“The Jewish individuals were setting up illegal networks exploiting pornography, child abuse and supporting cyber terrorism,” it read.

Mohamed Mohideen. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

“Jewish terrorism cells like these are exponentially growing in Europe and Asia, according to criminal data.”

It was not clear, however, whether the men were Jewish.

Victoria’s Multicultural Commission was previously forced to investigate Mr Mohideen over a

anti-Israel posts on social media.

He has accused Israel of “genocide, ethnic cleansing and mass murder” in Gaza.

However, on Saturday he posted a statement of support in the wake of the Melbourne firebombing of a synagogue.

“It’s sad to hear about the fire at the synagogue in Ripponlea.

“All places of worship should be sacred and the communities need to be able to practise their faith in peace and safety.

“Our condolences to the members of the congregation and community.

“We condemn this attack and call upon the authorities to take all action to bring the perpetrators to justice. We hope there will be transparancy in the investigation.”

Fire raging through the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea.

Mr Mohideen also shared a video of prominent pro-Israel advocate, Jewish Professor Alan Dershowitz, with devil horns over his face on October 7, which marked the first anniversary of Hamas’ terror attack.

And on October 27, he shared a map online that showed Israel replaced with Palestine, seemingly calling for the eradication of the Jewish state.

The Jewish Community Council JCCV has repeatedly asked the VMC to investigate the commissioner’s conduct.

But it’s understood no action has since been taken.

Zionism Victoria executive director Zeddy Lawrence questioned by Mr Mohideen was still in his position.

Members of the Jewish community removing religious artefacts from the burnt remains of the synagogue. Picture: David Caird

“The fact that Mohammed Mohideen is still in his position as a multicultural commissioner after a year of posting offensive and divisive comments against the Jewish community is symptomatic of the failure of the authorities to take action against antisemitic and anti-Israel activity,” he said.

“And that failure is why we had to endure a synagogue being torched yesterday.

“It’s time for the authorities to stop simply saying they condemn antisemitism and do something about it.

“Like getting rid of multicultural commissioners whose online activities are the antithesis of multiculturalism.”

Mr Mohideen defended re-sharing the post when contacted by the Herald Sun, denying that it demonised Jews and claiming he was criticising the Israeli government.