Australian Minister Cancels Israeli Influencer's Visa Citing Hate Speech Concerns
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has faced significant criticism after abruptly cancelling the visa of UK-born Israeli social media personality Sammy Yahood mere hours before his scheduled flight to Australia. The controversial decision has ignited a fierce debate about free speech, religious tolerance, and Australia's immigration policies.
Last-Minute Cancellation Sparks Outrage
The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) revealed that Yahood had planned an extensive speaking tour across Australia, including engagements at synagogues in Sydney and Melbourne. His itinerary included meetings with various Jewish community groups and participation in a self-defence session at a Sydney synagogue. Notably, one event was scheduled to include survivors of the tragic Bondi Beach massacre, adding emotional weight to the visit.
Yahood received notification of his visa cancellation on Australia Day, approximately three hours before his connecting flight from Abu Dhabi to Melbourne was due to depart. This timing has been described as particularly harsh by his supporters.
Minister Cites 'Spreading Hatred' Concerns
In a statement to Guardian Australia, Minister Burke defended his decision, stating the cancellation was based on concerns that Yahood was 'spreading hatred.' Burke emphasised that visitors to Australia must apply for appropriate visas and come for legitimate reasons. 'If someone wants to come to Australia they should apply for the right visa and come for the right reason,' he asserted.
This case follows a pattern of recent visa rejections involving Jewish visitors, including former Israeli justice minister Ayelet Shaked, US entrepreneur Hillel Fuld, and Israeli Knesset member Simcha Rothman. These consecutive refusals have raised questions about consistency in Australia's border policies.
Community Leaders Voice Strong Objections
AJA CEO Robert Gregory condemned the visa cancellation, arguing it has 'contributed to the rise of antisemitism in Australia.' Gregory further expressed concerns that this action reignites issues surrounding the government's handling of the Bondi Beach massacre and its subsequent apology. 'This is going to further tarnish Australia's reputation,' Gregory stated, accusing the government of failing to act against what he termed 'Islamic hate preachers' while targeting Jewish voices.
Influencer Vows Not to Be Intimidated
In a defiant video posted online, Yahood insisted he planned to travel regardless of the visa cancellation. 'I've got a few hours until the flight I'm supposed to be getting on from here, Abu Dhabi on the way to Melbourne, Australia, and I'm willing to get on this flight,' he declared. 'I'm willing to spend another 20 hours sat on a plane just to get turned around and detained, just because I will not back down.'
Yahood claimed he received conflicting explanations for the visa revocation, with Home Affairs initially citing his tour as an unauthorized business activity on a tourist visa, while Burke later referenced hate speech concerns. 'So which one is it? Is it business operations or hatred?' Yahood questioned publicly.
Controversial Social Media History
The decision appears linked to Yahood's previous social media statements, where he has described Islam as a 'murderous ideology' and a 'disgusting ideology,' claiming it 'cannot be trusted to simply 'co-exist.'' In a November 6 post, he explicitly called to 'ban Islam,' writing: 'It's time to ban Islam. It's time to stop being tolerant of those that are not tolerant of us.'
Yahood defended his comments, arguing he criticises ideologies rather than individuals. 'Talking about a bad ideology like Islam is not hatred,' he stated. 'Stating that a Muslim is this or that is hatred because Muslims are people and I'm not hateful of people. I just don't like bad ideas.'
Legal Context and Broader Implications
Burke's decision comes just one week after Parliament passed new hate-crime legislation that significantly broadens ministerial powers to deny or cancel visas. Under updated character provisions, ministers can now block visas if they believe an individual has engaged in hate speech, vilification, or extremist behaviour.
Yahood had planned to conduct several 'self-defence workshops' during his Australian visit and launch his 'peace through strength' campaign. Despite the setback, he remains defiant: 'I refuse to back down in the face of your weakness, in the face of your fake virtues of tolerance and acceptance and protecting people from online hatred. You are a tyrant and I will not be deterred.' He concluded with his personal slogan: 'It will take a lot more to scare Sammy Yahood.'
The Daily Mail has contacted Minister Burke for additional comment on this developing situation.
