UPDATE: Australia’s Department of Home Affairs is urgently investigating the visa granted to Palestinian author Mona Zahed following her controversial social media post celebrating Hamas’ October 7 attacks. This investigation comes just days after Immigration Minister Tony Burke pledged to block divisive visitors.
Officials confirmed that Burke’s office is taking this matter seriously. A spokesperson stated, “The government is serious in its view about not importing hatred, and we set a higher bar when the purpose of someone’s visit is a speaking tour.” This statement underscores the growing scrutiny over who is allowed to enter Australia, particularly in the wake of escalating tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Zahed, known for her Palestinian cookbook, is reportedly en route to Australia after raising funds to support her family during these tumultuous times. Melbourne artist Matt Chun shared in a newsletter dated July 21 that his partner had collaborated with human rights lawyers to secure visas for Zahed and her family, who were attempting to escape Gaza. Chun expressed relief, stating, “Finally, against all odds, [my partner] Tess has visas approved.”
The controversy intensified when 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,” alongside images depicting the aftermath of the Hamas attacks on Israeli festival-goers. It also included historical references to the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” which marks the displacement of Palestinians during the establishment of Israel in 1948.
This situation raises critical questions regarding the implications of Zahed’s visit for community relations in Australia. As international tensions flare, the Australian government faces pressure to ensure that its immigration policies align with public sentiment and national security.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on Burke and the Department of Home Affairs for updates on their investigation and any potential actions they may take regarding Zahed’s visa status. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant repercussions for future visa applications from individuals with contentious political backgrounds.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as it unfolds.
