Sydney Preacher Sued Over Antisemitic Sermons Online

Islamic preacher Wissam Haddad, also known as Abu Ousayd, is being sued in Australia's Federal Court by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) for allegedly breaching the Racial Discrimination Act after making antisemitic remarks in sermons delivered at Al Madina Dawah Centre in late 2023 and published online. The ECAJ alleges Haddad used dehumanizing language, including calling Jews 'vile,' 'treacherous,' and 'descendants of apes and pigs,' with the intent to insult and humiliate. Haddad's defense claims the speeches were religious lectures for a private Muslim audience and based on Islamic texts, but it was conceded in court that he knew they would be published online. Haddad maintains his remarks were intended as commentary on historical and contemporary events involving Israel and Gaza, not as insults toward Jews. The plaintiffs seek removal of the content and an injunction against similar future statements. The case underscores ongoing tensions between religious expression and anti-discrimination protections in Australia.