UPDATE: Australia’s Department of Home Affairs is urgently investigating the visa status of Palestinian author Mona Zahed, following the emergence of a controversial post celebrating the October 7 Hamas attack. This investigation comes just days after Immigration Minister Tony Burke vowed to block divisive visitors to the country.
Authorities confirmed that the matter is being taken seriously, with a spokesman for Burke stating they began inquiries “as soon as the minister’s office became aware” of the situation. The government’s stance is clear: they aim to prevent the importation of hate, especially for those intending to engage in speaking tours.
Zahed, known for her Palestinian cuisine, has garnered support from advocates who claim she was granted a visa to visit Australia while raising funds to assist her family’s relocation from Gaza. According to Melbourne artist Matt Chun, his partner has been collaborating with human rights lawyers to secure visas for Zahed and her family. Chun wrote in an online newsletter on July 21: “Finally, against all odds, [my partner] Tess has visas approved.”
However, the situation intensified after News Corp published a screenshot of a Facebook post from Zahed, dated October 8, 2023. The post read, “praise be to Allah who has kept us alive to see this day,” accompanied by images of Israeli festival-goers fleeing during the Hamas attacks. The post also featured a historical image depicting Palestinians being expelled during the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” in 1948.
The government’s investigation into Zahed’s visa highlights broader tensions surrounding immigration policies related to controversial figures amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Officials stress the importance of preventing any form of hate speech from entering Australia, particularly in the context of the escalating violence.
As this situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the balance between freedom of expression and national security. The government’s next steps will be closely monitored as they determine the implications of Zahed’s post and her intended visit.
This developing story is expected to draw significant attention, both in Australia and internationally, as officials consider the ramifications of allowing a figure associated with divisive sentiments to enter the country. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent matter as it evolves.
