NCAM Director, Sajida Salman, expressed her outrage at the staged provocation, stating, “This orchestrated attempt to create a scandal is a direct attack on the integrity of our media and the freedoms of the Palestinian community. Such deliberate actions misrepresent the situation and aim to silence those advocating for justice and peace for Palestine. The provocateurs sought to incite division under the guise of journalism, and we will not stand by while these unethical tactics are used to undermine social harmony.”

The incident unfolded when Ofir Birenbaum, a known Zionist activist, entered Cairo Takeaway wearing a Star of David cap and pendant and began pressuring the staff to say “shalom,” accusing them of discrimination. The Daily Telegraph team, positioned nearby, filmed the interaction with the apparent intent to capture a moment they could spin into an anti-Semitism scandal. However, when community members, including Indigenous Australians, saw what was happening, they intervened and exposed the operation for what it was: a staged provocation.

NCAM calls on the Australian government and media regulators to conduct a full investigation into the incident, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that such unethical practices are not allowed to continue. NCAM remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and mutual respect for all communities and urges Australians to remain vigilant against any attempts to manipulate or divide society under the guise of journalism.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@ncam.au

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National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) acknowledges all First Peoples as the Traditional Custodians throughout the land across Australia, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect the historical and traditional connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to the land, water, culture and community. We appreciate the importance of the world’s oldest living culture, and support the union of a reconciled Australia. NCAM is committed to ensuring inclusion, equity and equality.