URGENT UPDATE: Police are investigating disturbing graffiti that has surfaced in Melbourne, celebrating Hamas on the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. The graffiti, which reads “Glory to Hamas,” was discovered early on October 7, 2023, above a shop at the intersection of Alexandra Parade and Brunswick St. Another message, “Free Palestine” along with “Oct 7, do it again,” was found further along on a building corner at Smith St.
This shocking display of anti-Semitic propaganda comes as Australia marks a painful anniversary, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemning the messages as “abhorrent.” He announced that the Australian Federal Police will collaborate with Victoria Police to identify and prosecute those responsible. “The people responsible must face the full force of the law,” Albanese stated.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles echoed these sentiments on ABC Radio, revealing that authorities are assessing whether the graffiti constitutes a terrorism offense. Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating potential criminal damage related to the billboard. A spokesperson emphasized, “There is absolutely no place at all in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based symbols and behaviour.”
The October 7 attacks resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of approximately 250 hostages by Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by Australia. Since then, 198 hostages have been returned to Israel, with 148 alive and 48 still in captivity. The attacks ignited an Israeli military response that has claimed over 66,000 lives in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, described the Melbourne graffiti as despicable, highlighting the ongoing hatred towards the Jewish community. “We shouldn’t have to deal with this; this shouldn’t become the norm,” he told AAP. Ryvchin’s words resonate deeply as the Jewish community continues to mourn their losses.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley voiced her concern, calling the graffiti deeply disturbing and asserting that Victorians deserve to feel safe in their own communities. “Supporting Hamas is not free speech; it is a crime,” Ley declared, demanding that those responsible be held accountable.
Premier Jacinta Allan strongly condemned the graffiti, calling it hateful and particularly disgraceful given the Jewish community’s mourning. “This behaviour does not represent peace,” she stated, affirming her support for the Jewish community.
Opposition police spokesman David Southwick, himself Jewish, expressed that the glorification of Hamas is sickening and called for immediate action rather than mere words. “The Jewish community has had a gutful of this,” he said outside the East Melbourne Synagogue, which was targeted in an alleged arson attack earlier this year. “We don’t want Melbourne to become Manchester. This should be a wake-up call to everybody.”
The Yarra City Council has announced plans to remove the graffiti once police complete their investigation. This incident marks a critical moment in ongoing discussions about anti-Semitism and hate speech in Australia, raising alarms about the normalization of such sentiments in society.
As investigations unfold, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant against hate-driven acts. The urgent call to action highlights the need for community solidarity in the face of rising extremism. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
