Sydney, 20 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke encountered boisterous protests on Friday during an Eid event at a mosque in Lakemba, western Sydney. The demonstration, led by a small section of the crowd, erupted over the government’s stance on the Israel‑Gaza conflict, even as a much larger portion of the attendees cheered and welcomed the leaders.

The event, held after Eid prayers at Lakemba Mosque—one of Australia’s largest mosques—drew thousands of people. As the gathering proceeded and a speaker addressed the congregation, some individuals shouted slogans accusing the Prime Minister and the Home Affairs Minister of supporting “genocide” and called for them to leave.

Security and organisers intervened to calm the situation, and proceedings continued despite the brief disruption.

Prime Minister Albanese later downplayed the incident, telling reporters that the vast majority of the more than 30,000 people present greeted him warmly. He noted that only a handful of individuals protested, adding that the community had effectively managed the situation on its own.

The Lebanese Muslim Association, which manages the mosque, defended its decision to invite government leaders, saying the event offered an opportunity for direct dialogue between the community and policymakers, especially on sensitive issues such as the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar