Sydney Muslims split over political boycotts
SYDNEY, Australia (MNTV) – Sydney’s Muslim communities are divided over the tactics used by activist groups targeting the Australian Labor Party due to its stance on Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
During Eid celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, many Muslim Sydneysiders noticed the absence of politicians at mosques, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
This followed a debate on whether political figures from any major party should be invited to Muslim spaces.
The activist group Stand4Palestine urged followers on social media to monitor mosques for local MPs.
When Labor’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Education Minister Jason Clare did not attend the Eid prayers, the group celebrated online, claiming, “Just like cockroaches – when you shine the light on them, they run away.”
Stand4Palestine is focusing its efforts on politicians representing electorates with significant Muslim populations, such as Watson (Burke’s seat) and other areas in Sydney’s south and south-west, including McMahon, Parramatta, and Chifley.
Jamal Rifi, a GP and community leader, criticized Stand4Palestine’s “bullying” tactics, accusing them of fostering divisiveness within the Muslim community.
“They want to dictate to the community which way to vote,” Rifi said, pointing out that Burke has been one of the most vocal advocates for the Palestinian cause.
“It’s poisoning the well you drink from.”
Others in the Muslim community, like Gamel Kheir, secretary of the Lebanese Muslim Association, expressed frustration over politicians’ perceived lack of understanding regarding the impact of the Gaza genocide on Australian Muslims.
“We are extremely angry because of the helplessness that we feel,” Kheir said.
In a significant departure from tradition, Lakemba Mosque decided not to invite politicians to their 2025 Eid celebration, citing the government’s response to the Gaza war.
“Our solemn days are not there for political gain or advantage,” Kheir explained, emphasizing that Eid celebrations should not be used for electioneering.
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