UPDATE: Police have launched an urgent investigation into pro-Hamas graffiti discovered early on Tuesday morning in Fitzroy, Melbourne, coinciding with the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel. The inflammatory message, including “Glory to Hamas,” was found painted on a billboard at the corner of Alexandra Parade and Brunswick Street, while additional slogans like “Free Palestine” and “Oct 7, do it again” appeared on a nearby building.
The graffiti has been condemned as “terrorist propaganda” by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who stated that the Australian Federal Police will collaborate with Victoria Police to identify those responsible. Albanese described the act as “abhorrent,” emphasizing that “the people responsible must face the full force of the law.”
The timing of the graffiti is particularly poignant, marking two years since Hamas’s attacks that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of approximately 250 hostages. While 198 hostages have been returned to Israel, 48 remain in captivity, highlighting the ongoing impact of these events. The Israeli military response has resulted in over 66,000 fatalities in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles added that authorities are investigating if the graffiti constitutes a terrorism offense, with Victoria Police actively pursuing the case as a matter of criminal damage. A police spokesperson stated, “There is absolutely no place at all in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based symbols and behaviour.”
Community leaders have also voiced their outrage. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, labeled the graffiti as despicable, indicating it reflects a troubling undercurrent of hatred toward the Jewish community. “We shouldn’t have to deal with this; this shouldn’t become the norm,” he remarked.
Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley expressed deep concern, stating, “Supporting Hamas is not free speech; it is a crime.” Ley emphasized that those responsible must face consequences, reflecting a sentiment echoed by Premier Jacinta Allan, who condemned the graffiti as particularly disgraceful on such a sorrowful anniversary for the Jewish community.
The response from local authorities has been swift, with Yarra City Council announcing plans to remove the graffiti once police complete their investigation. David Southwick, a Jewish opposition police spokesman, described the glorification of Hamas as sickening and voiced the need for actionable measures rather than mere words. “The Jewish community has had a gutful of this,” he stated, urging for Melbourne to not follow in the footsteps of other cities facing similar issues.
As this situation develops, officials and community leaders are calling for heightened vigilance against anti-Semitism and hate speech. The investigation continues, and the community remains on high alert following this alarming incident.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical situation.
