Australian imam condemns fellow cleric's pro-Hamas rally remarks as unsuitable

Sheikh Shadi Asuleiman, president of the Australian National Imams Council, appeared before the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion to address remarks made by Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun at a Lakemba rally on October 8, 2023. Dadoun had described the day as a “victory” following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, prompting criticism from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Asuleiman said Dadoun had already left his director role at the council and that his statements were made without its endorsement.

The council provided counselling, requested a public clarification, and emphasized a policy of inclusion rather than exclusion. He described Dadoun as “very cooperative” and said no further action was deemed necessary. The commission also heard a joint statement from Muslim organisations defending Dadoun’s speech as taken out of context.