A prominent billboard in Melbourne’s Inner-North has been defaced with pro-Hamas graffiti on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks, sparking widespread outrage.
The words “Glory to Hamas” were spray-painted above the busy intersection of Alexandra Parade and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan has condemned the offensive message, saying “every effort” was underway to remove it.
She emphasised, “This is not in the spirit of peace. I won’t even give breath to the name of that organisation that’s mentioned on that billboard … we should be wrapping our arms around members of our Jewish community,” while speaking to ABC Melbourne.
Caulfield MP David Southwick described the graffiti as “triggering” for Australia’s Jewish community, also speaking to ABC Melbourne.
“To have people glorifying a terrorist organisation in Melbourne, it’s just beyond belief.”
He called for laws to be enforced, stating, “Nobody should be doing this … it’s shameful in terms of how the Jewish community has been targeted over the last two years. And something needs to be done. Words are not good enough from our leaders. They’ve actually got to get out and do something.”
Police have announced they are investigating the incident, stating, “There is absolutely no place at all in our society for antisemitic or hate-based symbols and behaviour.”
The vandalism appeared overnight, coinciding with the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks, when Hamas militants killed 1200 people and took 250 hostages.
In response, Israel launched a violent two-year campaign that has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, with a UN commission labeling Israel’s actions in Gaza genocidal.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for “decent human behaviour” to mark the anniversary. “(Tuesday) is not a day for demonstrations,” he said, as Premiers of Victoria and NSW condemned the protests planned in both states to mark the sombre anniversary.
Ms Allan described the scheduled Melbourne protest as “unacceptable,” adding, “Today should not be a day about protest. Today is a day to stand with those in our community who are mourning the loss of life and what occurred to you in that horrific terrorist attack on October 7, 2023.”
