A Sydney bakery, Oven Bakery by Fu Fu, has triggered significant controversy by sharing images of a Hamas-themed birthday cake created for a four-year-old child. The bakery posted these photos on social media, showcasing a custom-made cake featuring an infamous Hamas terrorist, Abu Obaida, and a young boy dressed in attire resembling the militant group’s uniform. The images, which have since been deleted, depicted Abu Obaida wearing an army camouflage jacket and a red scarf covering his face, while the child mimicked his attire and made a gesture reminiscent of the terrorist.

The incident sparked outrage, with notable figures like former Melbourne radio host Neil Mitchell and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas condemning the bakery’s actions. Mitchell expressed deep concern over the divisive nature and rising antisemitism in the country, emphasizing the significance of rejecting such glorification of terrorism. Zempilas echoed these sentiments, labeling the cake as a “shocking look” and emphasizing that there is no place for such displays in Australia.

Political figures also weighed in on the controversy, with NSW Premier Chris Minns denouncing the images as inappropriate for a child’s party, emphasizing that Hamas is an evil terrorist organization. Similarly, NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman criticized the cakes, advocating for celebrating individuals who promote unity within the community instead of glorifying terrorists.

Various community leaders, including Australian Jewish Group chief executive Robert Gregory and Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin, condemned the incident as reprehensible. Gregory highlighted the dangerous implications of indoctrinating youth with extremist ideologies, warning against the radicalization of children. Ryvchin expressed shock at the glorification of terrorists, stressing the importance of instilling positive values in children rather than promoting violence and terrorism.

The broader implications of such incidents were also underscored, with concerns raised about the potential impact on society and the risk of fostering a generation of violent extremists. The need to address and prevent the normalization of extremist ideologies, especially among impressionable children, was emphasized by community leaders and commentators.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Hamas-themed cake serves as a stark reminder of the need to promote tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for diverse communities. Such incidents highlight the importance of vigilance against extremist ideologies and the responsibility to foster a society based on values of peace and understanding.