Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced hostile protests during a visit to the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney on March 20, 2026, amid community anger over his stance on the Gaza conflict. Demonstrators called Albanese a “putrid dog” and accused him of supporting genocide related to the Israeli-Hamas war.
Protests Erupt During Eid al-Fitr Visit
Albanese attended Eid al-Fitr celebrations alongside Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke when some mosque attendees vocally opposed his presence. Chanting “Get him out of here!” and other insults, protestors expressed frustration over the Australian government’s support for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel’s right to self-defense following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Mosque secretary Gamel Kheir urged calm, calling for respectful dialogue with political leaders.
Security Intervention and PM’s Response
Security personnel escorted Albanese to an office inside the mosque before he was safely removed to his motorcade amid ongoing heckling, including cries of “shame on you” and derogatory name-calling. Confronters criticized Albanese for visiting the mosque after meeting the Israeli president, linking him to the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza.
Albanese posted on social media that the overall reception was largely positive. He stated that only a few individuals heckled inside the mosque and that no one was rushed out. “It was dealt with by the community themselves because overwhelmingly they did not want that to occur,” he said.
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