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Prime minister faces protests at Sydney mosque
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was met with loud heckling during Eid prayers at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney on Friday, as tensions over the government's response to the Israel-Gaza war spilled into the religious gathering.
Hecklers accuse leaders of supporting genocide
Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke attended the event at the invitation of community leaders, but several attendees shouted accusations of "genocide supporters" and demanded they leave. A man who interrupted the proceedings was removed by police and later released without charge.
As Albanese exited the mosque, protesters continued to shout, with one calling his presence "a disgrace." The Lebanese Muslim Association, which runs the mosque, later issued a statement affirming Albanese's welcome but acknowledged the community's anger over Gaza and rising Islamophobia in Australia.
"We understand that emotions are high, particularly given the ongoing suffering in Gaza and the devastation in Lebanon. These are not distant issues for our community."
Lebanese Muslim Association
Albanese defends visit amid broader tensions
The prime minister told media that most of the 30,000-strong crowd welcomed him, though he suggested the backlash may stem from his government's recent moves to ban extremist groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir, which advocates for a global Islamic state and has faced terrorism allegations.
In a social media post earlier, Albanese described the visit as "an honour," sharing photos of him greeting worshippers. However, community leader Gamel Kheir warned attendees against treating the event as "a cheap token photo opportunity."
Gaza war fuels community divisions
The incident reflects growing unrest in Australia's Muslim community over the government's handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, Israel's military response has resulted in more than 72,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.
The mosque noted this was Albanese's first invitation to Eid prayers since the war began. Reports of antisemitism and Islamophobia have surged in Australia, with critics arguing religious celebrations should remain apolitical.
Political fallout and recent violence
The Albanese government, which recognized Palestinian statehood alongside the UK and Canada last year, has faced criticism for its Gaza response and its handling of December's Bondi mass shooting. The attack, allegedly inspired by Islamic State ideology, killed 15 people at a Jewish event-the deadliest in Australia in nearly 30 years. One gunman was killed at the scene; another is awaiting trial.
Similar protests marred last year's Eid events, including an incident where Liberal Party MP Jason Wood was escorted out of a Melbourne mosque after being heckled during the federal election campaign.
