Wissam Haddad, a cleric from the Al Madina Dawah Centre in Sydney, is facing allegations of racial discrimination stemming from a series of controversial sermons delivered in November 2023, which have garnered significant online attention. During a recent Federal Court hearing, Haddad was questioned about a 2022 lecture in which he controversially asserted that Christmas greetings were worse than congratulating someone for murder.
Haddad has denied that his remarks were “highly offensive,” despite media scrutiny, and has been accused by Peter Braham SC—representing two Jewish plaintiffs—of intentionally amplifying provocative views to create controversy. Braham stated that Haddad’s activities at the Al Madina Dawah Centre are deliberately designed to attract public attention.
While Haddad’s legal counsel contended that the speeches were aimed at a limited Muslim audience and were not intended to incite broader community engagement, Braham countered by asserting that Haddad’s activities have always been performed with the expectation of public consumption. In court, Haddad claimed he did not directly post the contentious videos online but acknowledged being aware that they were being recorded for potential dissemination on platforms like YouTube and Telegram.
Haddad’s lawyer maintained that the recordings had been selectively edited and argued that they would likely not have reached a Jewish audience without media coverage. However, Braham insisted that the speeches contain elements deemed threatening, humiliating, and degrading, irrespective of who witnessed them.
Haddad, also known as Abu Ousayd, disputes accusations of breaching anti-discrimination laws, asserting that his lectures were rooted in historical and religious context derived from the Koran, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He is being sued by Peter Wertheim and Robert Goot, co-leaders of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, who demand the removal of the speeches and a prohibition on similar future statements.
They argue that Haddad’s comments are not only offensive but may also foster anti-Semitic prejudices, further normalising hostility or violence towards Jewish individuals. Wertheim highlighted the dehumanising nature of such remarks, noting that calling Jewish people “vile and treacherous” resonates deeply within the community.
In light of these serious allegations, the case reflects broader societal concerns regarding free speech, religious expression, and the potential for hate speech to incite violence. Readers seeking support are urged to contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue for assistance.