Jewish Leaders Sue Cleric for Antisemitic Sermons

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) has initiated legal proceedings against Islamic preacher Wissam Haddad and the Al Madina Dawah Centre in Sydney for alleged anti-Semitic speeches. The ECAJ claims Haddad's speeches, made at the centre and uploaded online, violate the Racial Discrimination Act by making derogatory generalizations about Jewish people, referring to them as 'vile' and 'treacherous.' The legal action, filed in the Federal Court, seeks injunctions to remove the offensive content and prevent future similar publications, but does not seek financial compensation. The ECAJ attempted to resolve the issue through the Australian Human Rights Commission but found mediation to be unsuccessful. The case highlights tensions within Australia's multicultural society, especially in the context of global conflicts impacting local social cohesion. ECAJ leaders emphasize the necessity of the lawsuit to uphold community honor and deter the spread of racism for political purposes.