‘I’m elated’: Scenes as Aussie Muslims celebrate Hamas in South West Sydney
As images of the devastation continued to emerge from Israel, there was celebration in Sydney’s west - with one Muslim preacher declaring “it’s a day of pride”.
A prominent Muslim preacher was filmed declaring “it’s a day of victory” to a roaring crowd in Sydney’s south west on Sunday night amid violent scenes between Hamas and Israel.
Wild scenes broke out in Lakemba and surrounding neighbourhoods as hundreds of Palestinian supporters gathered outside the train station to celebrate the terror attacks on Israel.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip, launched an extensive surprise attack against Israel on Saturday, coinciding with the Jewish holiday Simchat Torah.
It launched thousands of rockets from Gaza while militants infiltrated Israeli communities, killing residents and abducting hostages.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his nation was “at war” with Hamas.
The Israeli military continues to fight militants in southern Israel and has launched air strikes across Gaza, destroying multiple buildings.
But sections of Australia’s Islamic community celebrated the attack, sparking condemnation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
At the pro-Palestine rally in Lakemba, the crowd was reportedly heard chanting “Palestine will be free” and “Allahu Akbra” (Arabic for God is great).
Women and children were also seen holding signs and flags.
In an emphatic speech, Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun, lauded the Hamas fighters.
“My brothers, My sisters, I’m Smiling, I’m smiling, and I’m happy, I’m elated,” he said.
“It’s a day of courage, it’s a day of happiness, it’s a day of pride, it’s a day of victory.
“This is the day we’ve been waiting for … 75 years … 75 years of occupation.”
“What yesterday happened was the first time our brothers and sisters broke through the largest prison alive.”
Footage of fireworks and flags also emerged from nearby the gathering and surrounding suburbs.
One video filmed in Greenacre shows a person hanging out the window of a ute, draped in a Palestinian flag, spraying the street with fireworks.
The Australian Jewish Association labelled the celebrations “disgusting, obscene and extremely concerning” and pleaded for political and media condemnation.
On Sunday, sections of Australia’s Muslim community condemned the Australian Government’s stance on the conflict.
The Lebanese Muslim Association, based in Lakemba, issued a statement on Sunday afternoon stating it felt “blindsided” by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who on Friday visited the Lakemba Mosque on the Voice to Parliament campaign just a day before the fighting began in Israel and Gaza.
“The LMA was blindsided by today’s comments by the Prime Minister,” the LMA statement read.
“We wish to make it clear that we do not agree with the Prime Minister or indeed any politician or political party when they make a statement regarding Palestine, that “Israel has the right to defend itself.”
“Almost identical words to those of his predecessor, Scott Morrison, who stated in May 2021 that, “Israel unquestionably has the right to defend itself.”
“The LMA sees the trials and tribulations suffered by Australia’s First Nations people in the 235 years since British settlement commenced as being similar to the more than 75 years of persecution inflicted on the people of Palestine by Israel, its army and its police.”
The LMA compared the situation in Gaza and Australia’s First Nations people.
“Our First Nations people, the good citizens of Palestine and other oppressed peoples around the world should all be regarded as the same,” the statement read.
“We take this opportunity to call out the hypocrisy of our government in turning a blind eye to the oppression that our brothers and sisters in Palestine are currently facing, which is surely even worse than that currently being faced by our own Indigenous peoples.”
Anthony Albanese, Penny Wong condemn Sydney celebrations
Foreign Affairs Minister commented on the celebrations in Sydney’s southwest on Monday morning.
“There were comments that were made about these tragic events – I’d say to all Australians (that the) targeting of civilians, and the taking of hostages is never a cause for celebration,” she said.
“Whatever people’s views about the history of this conflict, we can never condone taking of hostages, I think that is something all – many Australians – would agree with.”
Mr Albanese also condemned the land, sea, and air assault by Hamas and those who gathered in support of the violence.
“There’s no victory with the slaughter of innocent people,” Mr Albanese told Sunrise.
“The capturing of the people and taking them back to Gaza represents an extraordinary action by Hamas. And Israel, of course, has a right to defend itself, and it will.”
The Hamas attack sparked wild celebrations in various nations across the globe, including Turkey, Kuwait, Yemen and Iran — as well as much smaller shows of support from some citizens in Canada, England and Germany.
NSW Police told news.com.au attendees of Sunday night’s rally in Lakemba complied with police directions and no significant issues arose.
No arrests were made.
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