Visa Cancellation Confirmed for Sammy Yahood

The Australian government cancelled the visa of Jewish influencer Sammy Yahood shortly before his scheduled departure to Australia. Yahood had been booked to speak at multiple events across the country.

Minister's Statement

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the visa cancellation on Monday evening.

"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."

Yahood's Response

Yahood responded to the decision on social media, accusing the Labor government of "tyranny" and "censorship."

"This is not a story about me whatsoever. This is a story about government overreaching. This is a story about tyranny, censorship and control. We cannot allow it."

Yahood confirmed his visa cancellation on Instagram and stated he was still flying to the United Arab Emirates to "work to sort" the issue. His fiancée, who was accompanying him, is continuing her travel to Australia.

Basis for Cancellation

Yahood, who grew up in the United Kingdom and recently moved to Israel, has previously made social media posts calling Islam a "murderous ideology," a "disgusting ideology," and stating it "cannot be trusted to simply ‘co-exist’." On November 6, he posted: “It’s time to ban Islam. It’s time to stop being tolerant of those that are not tolerant of us.”

Australian Jewish Association's View

The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) criticized the cancellation, noting it occurred three hours before Yahood's flight. The AJA stated Yahood was scheduled to speak at major synagogues and other organizations. Planned events included "self defence workshops" and the launch of his "peace through strength" campaign, aimed at "empowering Jews to stand unapologetically strong."

The AJA commented:

"Sammy is the latest Jew to have his visa cancelled by this government. As in other cases, they wait until the last minute."

The association also linked the cancellation to recent parliamentary votes increasing ministerial powers.

Broader Context

Minister Burke has previously barred the entry of other individuals with histories of controversial or offensive statements, including:

• Far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, who was scheduled for AJA-organized events and described Palestinian children in Gaza as "enemies."
• Rapper Kanye West.
• Former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked.

The cancellation was made under existing laws. This action follows the federal government's recent passage of new legislation that expands the grounds for the home affairs minister to reject or cancel a visa, including if an individual is believed to have engaged in hate, vilification, or extremist conduct under a character test.