Jewish Leaders File Lawsuit Against Radical Islamic Cleric for Racial Discrimination

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) is filing a lawsuit against a controversial Sydney Muslim cleric over accusations of anti-semitic rhetoric and racial hatred.

Wissam Haddad, also known as Abu Ousayd, and the Sydney-based Al Madina Dawah Centre are facing allegations of racial discrimination in Federal Court proceedings initiated on Oct. 25.

The case has been brought forward by ECAJ co-Chief Executive Peter Wertheim and Deputy President Robert Goot and focuses on Haddad’s speeches at the Bankstown Centre in Sydney’s south-west that were also posted online.

Wertheim and Goot claim that Haddad made derogatory statements about Jewish individuals, including calling them “vile and treacherous people.”

“We have taken legal action in the Federal Court to defend our community’s honor and as a deterrent against those who seek to promote racism for political purposes,” said Wertheim in a statement.

ECAJ’s case falls under part IIA of the Racial Discrimination Act, which prohibits offensive behavior based on racial hatred.

Haddad had previously made public statements referring to Jews as the “descendants of pigs and monkeys.”

Wertheim and Goot are not seeking monetary compensation, but are requesting court orders to remove any racist speeches and prohibit Haddad from making similar comments in the future.

Wertheim emphasized the importance of living harmoniously in a multicultural society.

“This should mean that we do not import the hatred, prejudices, and bigotry of other conflicts and societies into Australia,” he added.

Wertheim expressed disappointment in the lack of government action on the issue.

“It should not be left to our community, or any other community, to take legal action in response to public wrongs and to confront those who spread hatred among us,” he said.

“Yet, given the circumstances, we feel we have no other choice.”

Controversial History

Earlier this year, police stated they could not press charges following complaints about Haddad when he suggested that those critical of Islam were actually fond of “death.”

New South Wales Police concluded that Haddad’s remarks did not violate hate speech regulations.

In his speech, Haddad encouraged followers to be “warriors by day”, stating: “If you attack Allah, if you attack our prophet, our religion and our fellow brothers and sisters, and if you attack our lands, you are going to be met with men who love death more than you love life.”

ECAJ had lodged a complaint of vilification with the Australian Human Rights Commission, warning that failing to take action could normalize violent threats in society.

AAP contributed to this report.