Australia cancels visa of Israeli influencer over “spreading hatred”

Australia has cancelled the visa of an Israeli influencer known for his anti-Islam campaigns, saying it will not allow visitors to enter the country to spread hatred.

Sammy Yahood, who has described Islam on social media as a “disgusting ideology” and an “aggressor,” said on Monday that his visa was cancelled three hours before his flight was due to depart from Israel.

Despite this, Yahood travelled to Abu Dhabi, but was not allowed to board his connecting flight.

Writing on X, he said: “This is a story about tyranny, censorship and control.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told The Guardian Australia in a statement on Monday evening that “If someone wants to come to Australia they should apply for the right visa and come for the right reason.”

“Spreading hatred is not a good reason to come.” he added.

Australia has tightened its hate crime laws following a mass shooting on 14 December at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during Jewish Hanukkah celebrations, which left 15 people dead.

Despite also holding British citizenship, Yahood’s visa was cancelled under the same law used in the past to refuse visas to others over hate-related concerns.

The conservative Australian Jewish Association, which had invited the influencer to speak, said it “strongly condemns” the decision by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government to cancel the visa.