A Sydney bakery has sparked outrage after it created a birthday cake themed around Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. The bakery, known as Oven Bakery by Fufu, faced severe criticism from various quarters for designing a cake featuring symbols associated with Hamas, intended for a four-year-old boy’s birthday celebration. The cake, adorned with the Palestinian flag and a portrait of Abu Ubaida, a Hamas spokesperson, alongside the child dressed in attire resembling the militant figure, caused a stir online.

Initially, the bakery shared pictures of the cake on social media, showcasing the child standing next to the controversial confectionery. The boy was depicted wearing a headscarf and outfit reminiscent of the Hamas figure on the cake, imitating a defiant pose. The order was completed with cupcakes featuring Palestinian flags. While some individuals initially praised the bakery for its creation, the ensuing backlash led to the removal of the bakery’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

Robert Gregory, CEO of the Australian Jewish Group, strongly criticized the bakery’s actions, denouncing the portrayal of a child as a terrorist and describing it as a form of child abuse. He emphasized that the promotion of Islamic extremism and radicalization among youth posed a significant threat not only to the Jewish community but to all Australians. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed his horror at the photos, condemning Hamas as an evil terrorist organization and emphasizing that children’s parties should be joyous occasions free from hateful ideologies.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry’s co-CEO, Alex Ryvchin, condemned the glorification of terrorist groups, highlighting the dangers of instilling admiration for Hamas terrorists in young children. The incident has raised concerns about the potential radicalization of youth and the normalization of terrorist imagery within certain communities. Australian Federal Police have initiated an investigation into the matter, underscoring the broader implications of such actions.

The controversy surrounding the Hamas-themed birthday cake has ignited a debate on the boundaries of freedom of expression, cultural sensitivity, and the responsibilities of businesses in promoting socially acceptable practices. The incident serves as a reminder of the power of symbols and the need for heightened awareness when incorporating potentially contentious themes into celebratory events. As the investigation unfolds, it underscores the importance of fostering a climate of inclusivity and respect within diverse communities to prevent the glorification of violence and extremism.