A Western Sydney bakery has sparked controversy by sharing images of a custom-made birthday cake with a Hamas theme involving a four-year-old child dressed in attire resembling the militant group, Hamas. The bakery, Oven Bakery by Fu Fu, posted these pictures on social media, subsequently deleting them after causing a stir.

The cake featured a likeness of Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida, donning military clothing and a red scarf covering his face, while the young boy in the photo mirrored this attire and made a hand gesture akin to that of the terrorist. Accompanying cupcakes also displayed images of Obaida and the Palestinian flag.

Former Melbourne radio host Neil Mitchell and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas strongly criticized the bakery’s actions, denouncing the thematic choice as divisive, anti-Semitic, and glorifying terrorism. Mitchell highlighted the seriousness of associating with symbols linked to terrorist groups like ISIS, emphasizing the negative impact on societal unity.

Zempilas echoed these sentiments, labeling the bakery’s decision as unacceptable and emphasizing the need to reject such displays, asserting that Australia should not tolerate such glorification of terrorist entities within its borders.

Political figures also weighed in on the issue, with NSW Premier Chris Minns condemning the cake as inappropriate for a child’s celebration, emphasizing the need for innocence and positivity in such events. Similarly, NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman expressed shock at the imagery, advocating for community cohesion and positivity over glorification of violence.

Robert Gregory, Australian Jewish Group chief executive, condemned the actions as a form of child abuse, warning against the dangers of radicalization and extremism, noting the broader societal implications of such displays on youth.

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, strongly criticized the bakery and parents involved, emphasizing the detrimental impact of glorifying terrorists on impressionable young minds and the potential for fostering violent extremism in future generations.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater awareness and vigilance against promoting harmful ideologies, especially to children. The bakery’s actions have underscored the importance of promoting positive and inclusive values within society, rejecting any form of glorification of terrorism or violence. Such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in safeguarding against extremist influences, particularly when targeting vulnerable and impressionable individuals like children.