Australia has cancelled the visa of British‑Israeli social media influencer Sammy Yahood, citing concerns that his previous remarks about Islam could amount to spreading hatred.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revoked Yahood’s visa just hours before he was due to fly to Australia today for a planned speaking tour in Sydney and Melbourne, saying in a statement that “spreading hatred is not a good reason to come”to the country.
Yahood, 25, who grew up in the United Kingdom and recently “made aliyah” to Israel, has drawn controversy with a series of highly critical posts on social media about Islam and Muslims.
In past posts on X (formerly Twitter) he described Islam as a “murderous” and “disgusting ideology”, and wrote that “Islam ACCORDING TO ISLAM does not tolerate non‑believers, apostates, women’s rights, children’s rights, or gay rights”.
He has also posted that “it’s time to ban Islam” and has advocated in other posts for the deportation of Muslim public figures, including United States Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali‑American lawmaker.
Yahood criticised the government’s decision on social media as “tyranny, censorship and control,” arguing that his planned events were intended to address what he described as “courage, faith and unity” among Jewish and Christian communities.
He disputed the government’s explanation, saying he did not believe he had breached visa terms.
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The Australian Jewish Association, which had invited Yahood to speak, condemned the cancellation as an alleged misuse of ministerial powers, saying such actions contribute to concerns in the Jewish community.
Australia has recently tightened its hate crime and immigration laws following the December attack in Sydney, and the government has used those powers to refuse entry to a series of controversial figures in recent months on the grounds of promoting division or hatred.
Simcha Rothman — a far‑right Israeli politician and member of the Knesset was denied entry to Australia ahead of a planned speaking tour, with the government saying his presence could promote controversial views and foster division.
Ayelet Shaked — a former Israeli justice minister was denied a visa in late 2024 before she could embark on a speaking tour in Australia. Authorities cited concerns about public order and social cohesion relating to her political views.
Hillel Fuld — an Israeli‑American tech entrepreneur had his visa rescinded shortly before his scheduled arrival, in part over concerns that his past remarks could be seen as offending the Islamic community during his planned public events.
Kanye West (Ye) — the U.S. rapper had his Australian visa cancelled in mid‑2025 after releasing a controversial song containing Nazi references. The Home Affairs Minister said the content of the track amounted to propagating offensive and extremist material that could harm social cohesion.
Candace Owens — the American conservative commentator was refused a visa in 2024 ahead of a speaking tour. The High Court of Australia later upheld the government’s decision, agreeing that her remarks could incite discord within communities.
