A Sydney bakery has come under fire for designing a birthday cake with a Hamas theme, sparking outrage within the online community. The bakery’s creation, intended for a four-year-old’s birthday celebration, featured elements associated with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. This move quickly drew criticism from Jewish organizations and Australian leaders, who condemned it as a troubling form of radicalization.

The bakery, Oven Bakery by Fufu, initially shared images on social media showing the child standing beside a large cake decorated with the Palestinian flag and a portrait of Abu Ubaida, a Hamas spokesperson, depicted with a defiant gesture. The young boy was dressed in attire resembling the figure on the cake, complete with a headscarf, while posing in a similar manner. Additionally, the order included cupcakes adorned with Palestinian flags.

Robert Gregory, CEO of the Australian Jewish Group, expressed strong disapproval of the bakery’s actions, denouncing the act of dressing a child as a terrorist and labeling it as a form of child abuse. He emphasized that the promotion of Islamic extremism and the radicalization of youth pose a threat not only to the Jewish community but to all Australians.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns characterized the photos as “horrifying,” emphasizing that children’s parties should be joyful occasions free from hateful ideologies. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, criticized the glorification of terrorist groups, warning against instilling admiration for Hamas terrorists in infant children and the potential consequences of such actions.

Although the bakery initially received some positive feedback for the cake, it soon faced a backlash that led to the removal of its social media accounts. The incident has prompted an investigation by the Australian Federal Police, raising concerns about the possible radicalization of young individuals and the normalization of terrorist symbols within specific communities.

This controversy serves as a stark reminder of the sensitivities surrounding themed cakes and the potential implications of incorporating contentious themes into celebratory events. It underscores the importance of exercising caution and sensitivity when selecting designs for cakes, especially in a diverse and multicultural society. The incident has reignited discussions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibility of businesses to consider the broader implications of their creative choices.