BREAKING: A prayer hall in southwestern Sydney has been shut down following the controversial sermons of preacher Wissam Haddad, which have been condemned as “fundamentally racist” and “anti-Semitic.” The Al Madina Dawah Centre was ordered to cease operations immediately after authorities confirmed it was operating without the necessary permissions.
The Canterbury-Bankstown City Council announced the closure on October 31, 2023, stating that the property on Kitchener Parade was only approved for use as a medical centre—never as a religious space. “We have issued the cease use notices which will be effective immediately,” a council spokesperson stated, emphasizing their commitment to prevent unlawful operations.
The Federal Court previously found that several of Haddad’s sermons contained “devastatingly offensive” content targeting the Australian Jewish community, reinforcing the decision to take action against the prayer hall. Despite the court’s findings, police stated that these sermons do not meet the legal threshold for criminal charges.
Premier Chris Minns expressed strong support for the council’s actions, stating, “There is no place for hate speech in NSW, which is why we are supporting all action to clamp down on those inciting hate, and we will not stop.” His remarks highlight the urgent need for community safety in light of escalating tensions.
Haddad, who has been linked to a controversial past including connections to the December 14 Bondi shooting, has continued to deliver inflammatory messages, insisting that “jihad is the solution.” These sermons have drawn severe backlash from Jewish groups and community leaders alike, prompting calls for further scrutiny of hate speech in Australia.
Radicalisation expert Josh Roose stated, “More action needs to be taken against hate preachers and extremist groups who hide in plain sight.” His comments reflect a growing concern about the influence of such ideologies within the community.
As of now, Haddad, also known as Abu Ousayd, has not publicly commented on the closure of the prayer hall. Authorities have indicated that they will continue to monitor the situation closely and take further action if necessary. This incident raises critical questions about the regulation of religious spaces and the impact of extremist rhetoric in Australian society.
The immediate closure of the Al Madina Dawah Centre serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against hate speech and the importance of community vigilance. Residents and concerned citizens are encouraged to report any similar activities, ensuring that such ideologies do not gain a foothold in their neighborhoods.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities continue to address the issue of hate speech and its implications for community safety.
