Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced protests during his visit to a Sydney mosque for Eid prayers, where demonstrators booed and criticised his stance on Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
The incident reflects growing discontent among sections of both Muslim and Jewish communities in Australia, who are divided over the government’s approach balancing calls for a ceasefire and concern for Palestinians while also supporting Israel’s right to self-defence.
Video images showed protesters interrupting proceedings about 15 minutes after Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke joined worshippers at Lakemba Mosque in western Sydney to mark the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
🚨Sydney 🇦🇺:
Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Tony Burke booed at Lakemba Mosque while attending Islamic prayers this morning for Eid prayers were booed and labelled “genocide supporters”.
The Islamist extremists in this mosque are reportedly tied to Hizb Ut-Tahrir who… pic.twitter.com/AcQDfwwYo3
— Shiri_Sabra (@sabra_the) March 20, 2026
Demonstrators booed, told Albanese and Burke to “Get out!” and called them “genocide supporters”, referring to Israel’s killing of Palestinians in Gaza, following an attack by Hamas militants in 2023.
“Dear brothers and sisters, keep calm a little bit,” one of the organisers told the crowd, urging people to sit down and stop filming the incident. “It is Eid. It is a joyful day.”
Security guards were seen tackling one heckler to the ground before escorting him away.
Albanese and Burke left shortly afterwards, followed by heckling protesters who yelled, “Shame on you!”
Protesters also turned out in large numbers when Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited last month at Albanese’s invitation after the deadly Bondi mass shooting on December 14 that targeted the Jewish community.
Thousands attended a rally in Sydney, where 27 people were arrested after clashes with police.
(With Reuters Inputs)
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
