Listen to the article
False Claims Link Old Video to Bondi Beach Terror Attack
A misleading video circulating on social media falsely connects Muslims in Sydney with celebrating the recent Bondi Beach terror attack. Fact-checking reveals the footage is actually from 2023 and shows an entirely different event, highlighting how misinformation spreads during tragic incidents.
On December 14, two gunmen identified as a father-son pair killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebrations. Following the attack, a video began circulating online showing a Muslim cleric delivering a speech to a crowd chanting “Allah-Hu-Akbar,” with claims that it depicted Muslims celebrating the Bondi massacre.
One viral post accompanying the video stated: “The Muslims in Australia are smiling and happy about the Bondi massacre; they even lit fireworks to celebrate. They need to all be deported from every country to Arabic pig countries.”
However, an investigation by India Today Fact Check determined that the video predates the Bondi Beach attack by two years. A reverse image search of video frames led to posts from October 9, 2023, featuring the identical footage.
The video actually shows controversial Muslim cleric Ibrahim Dadoun addressing a crowd in Lakemba, southwest Sydney, on October 8, 2023. During this gathering, Dadoun expressed feeling “elated” about the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, describing it as “a day of courage, a day of pride, a day of victory.”
Sky News Australia reported on the incident at the time, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly condemned Dadoun’s comments, stating: “There’s nothing to celebrate in the murder of innocent civilians going about their day. Some of those who have been captured are young people who were attending a rave, enjoying life, and enjoying each other’s company. There’s nothing to celebrate here.”
According to Daily Mail reporting from last year, Dadoun later walked back his statements in a Facebook post following public backlash. “To be clear, at no stage did I express any support for, nor refer to, the loss of lives on any side,” he wrote. “I made no reference to the killing of the innocent people. I do not condone nor celebrate the killing of innocent people from any side, particularly women and children.”
The spread of this misattributed video comes amid heightened tensions following the Bondi Beach attack, which authorities are still investigating. The incident represents one of Australia’s deadliest mass shootings in recent history and has shocked the community during what should have been a festive period.
Another false claim circulating alongside the video alleged that Muslims celebrated the attack with fireworks. This assertion was debunked by The Straits Times, which confirmed that while fireworks did take place in Canterbury Bankstown on the evening of December 14, they were part of a pre-planned Christmas celebration.
The Rotary Club of Padstow, which organized the event, released a statement clarifying: “The fireworks were part of our annual Christmas Carols event; this event and the fireworks display were planned months in advance. They were not in any way related to the terrorist attack at Bondi.”
This pattern of misinformation spreading after tragic events highlights the importance of verifying sources before sharing content online. Social media platforms continue to struggle with the rapid proliferation of false narratives during crises, when emotional reactions can override critical evaluation of content.
Law enforcement authorities are continuing their investigation into the Bondi Beach attack, focusing on the motives behind the shooting and whether there are any broader connections to extremist groups.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
10 Comments
Interesting that this video is from 2 years ago, not related to the recent tragedy. It’s important to verify information before spreading it, especially around sensitive issues. We should be careful not to jump to conclusions or promote harmful rhetoric.
Agreed, misinformation can be very damaging, especially during difficult times. Fact-checking is crucial to prevent the further spread of false narratives.
It’s concerning to see how quickly misinformation can spread, especially around tragic events. This highlights the need for media literacy and critical thinking when consuming online content. We should be wary of taking things at face value.
Well said. Fact-checking is essential to prevent the proliferation of harmful narratives. It’s important we remain vigilant and hold ourselves and others accountable for the information we share.
This case highlights the importance of media literacy and critical thinking when consuming online content. It’s easy for misinformation to gain traction, especially during times of heightened emotions. We must be vigilant and prioritize truth over sensationalism.
Well said. Fact-checking should be a reflex, not an afterthought. Only by relying on credible sources and verifying information can we have meaningful discussions and avoid perpetuating harmful narratives.
This is a good reminder to always check sources and context before sharing content, especially on sensitive topics. Spreading unverified claims can inflame tensions and distract from the real issues at hand.
Absolutely. We should strive to have thoughtful, nuanced discussions based on facts rather than knee-jerk reactions to emotionally charged videos.
The rapid spread of this misleading video is a sobering reminder of the challenges we face in the digital age. While it’s natural to have strong reactions to such events, we must take the time to verify information before drawing conclusions or passing it along.
Exactly. Responsible reporting and fact-based discussions are crucial for fostering constructive dialogue and preventing the further escalation of tensions. We all have a role to play in combating the spread of misinformation.