Sydney School Board Member Resigns Following Controversial Hezbollah Remarks

A longstanding board member of a Sydney Islamic school has stepped down following the emergence of a video in which he expressed support for Hezbollah, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the Australian government. Sheikh Ahmad Jundi, 74, who had served on the board of Al Sadiq College, made controversial remarks at a recent event.

During the event held last month at Al Sadiq College in Sydney’s west, Jundi made references to the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and prayed for the organization’s victory in Lebanon. This event, though attended by children, was organized by the Muslim Alawite community and not by the school itself. Jundi announced his resignation shortly after inquiries from the Sydney Morning Herald on the matter.

Al Sadiq board chairman Mohamad Assoud confirmed the resignation, stating that Jundi agreed to step down. Assoud emphasized that the views expressed by individuals at the event did not represent the school’s stance. “The college cannot be held to account for the personal views of individuals who have no operational role in the school,” Assoud declared.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw addressed the issue on Tuesday, indicating the force’s intention to enforce laws against the display of Hezbollah symbols, following demonstrations displaying these symbols in Sydney and Melbourne. Kershaw described the actions as “un-Australian,” and affirmed the use of new federal laws against terrorist insignia.

Hezbollah was designated a terrorist organization by Australia in its entirety in 2021, with support for the group’s leader, Nasrallah, and his activities being closely scrutinized under Australian law. In response to recently surfaced comments, Federal Education Minister Jason Clare noted that schools are expected to meet “fit and proper person requirements” under the Australian Education Act. The Education Department intends to seek further information from Al Sadiq College.

Jundi, who is an Australian citizen originally from Lebanon, stated he supports Australia above all and regards Hezbollah as a political entity in Lebanon. “I don’t like violence from anyone,” he remarked, emphasizing his stance against killing and questioning whether expressing support for Hezbollah is criminal under Australian law.

Three Sydney mosques held mourning ceremonies for Nasrallah, which did not aim to incite legal issues, according to the Shia Muslim Council of Australia. Dr. Ali Alsamail stated these events were calls for a cessation of civilian targeting rather than acts of provocation.