A man’s football shirt commemorating the October 7 terror attack has sparked outrage after he was pictured wearing it at a popular Australian tourist spot.
Police are now investigating after the man took the shirt to Katoomba’s Scenic World in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney on Saturday.
The photo, taken by another visitor, showed the words ‘7. October’ printed on the back of the garment, marking the day Hamas launched their attack on Israel.
The soccer jersey featured the colors of the Palestinian flag and a slice of watermelon, which has become symbolic of Palestinian resistance to Israel’s retaliatory attacks on Gaza.
More than 1,100 people were killed in the surprise attack on October 7, including festival-goers at an outdoor concert, and women and children killed in their homes.
Several hundred hostages were taken by Hamas forces, including 30 children among the 250 seized by the militia forces.
The visitor, who did not want to be named, said they were shocked by the message on the clothes.
“Disgusted, appalled and afraid of this country where the most atrocious, heinous terrorist attacks are openly celebrated and normalized,” they said.
A man wearing a shirt (pictured) recognizing the October 7 attacks carried out by Hamas has angered Australians with police now investigating the incident
The man was spotted wearing the shirt at Scenic World (pictured) in Katoomba, a popular park area near the Blue Mountains in Sydney’s west.
The shirt has also been slammed by Jewish leaders, who said it condoned anti-Semitism.
Executive Council of Australia Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin told Daily Mail Australia such actions must be punished.
“We live in a time when individuals feel they can publicly declare their support for the mass murder, rape and torture of Jewish people with pride and impunity,” Ryvchin said.
‘This is a disturbing societal development that threatens to become normalised.’
Dr. Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Anti-Defame Commission, said the shirt represented a form of hate speech.
“This t-shirt is without words and is a stab in the heart of every Jew here and around the world,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘I’m sure most Australians would be shocked to the core by this vomit-inducing incident.’
The outfit was also condemned by political figures including NSW Premier Chris Minns.
“What a disgusting thing to celebrate,” he said that Daily Telegraph.‘Wearing a shirt to celebrate a terrorist attack is completely reprehensible.’
The man was standing in front of another man and a woman wearing a hijab when the photo was taken and appeared to be gesturing in their direction.
Since the terror attacks, Israel has responded with a major military operation in an attempt to defeat Hamas militants with a series of air and ground strikes in Gaza.
More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The attire referenced the devastating attacks launched by Hamas last year (pictured) which led to the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and foreigners
Alex Ryvchin (pictured) slammed the outfit, saying the attire condones anti-Semitism.
Visitors to Scenic World are believed to have reported the shirt to staff. NSW Police were later informed and visited Scenic World on Sunday.
They made inquiries at the scene of anyone who saw the shirt, but no charges have been laid so far.
A spokesman for Scenic World declined to comment when contacted about the matter.
A NSW Police spokesman said officers are investigating the incident.
The incident comes after a motorist driving a car in western Sydney last month displayed ‘OCT7TH’ number plates.
Publicly threatening or inciting acts of violence is considered an offense under section 93Z of the Crimes Act of NSW.
The federal government passed laws in January banning the Nazi salute and Nazi symbols printed on flags and t-shirts.
The counter-terrorism legislation also criminalises acts to “glorify and praise terrorism”.
NSW Premier Chris Minns (pictured) also condemned the insensitive shirt