The recipient of an Australian of the Year award has drawn criticism for referring to members of terrorist organisation Hamas as ‘freedom fighters’.
Betul Tuna, who has been an outspoken supporter of Palestine and wore a Palestinian keffiyeh-inspired scarf to accept her ‘Local Hero’ award, shared the disturbing content earlier this week.
In her controversial post, Ms Tuna said those ‘the colonisers label a terrorist, historians will declare freedom fighters’.
Ms Tuna described herself as a ‘change maker, activist, advocate and Intersectional Feminist’ and works for the Victorian Government in child protection.
She received her Local Hero award in recognition of her being ‘deeply committed to humanitarian and community causes’.
Her comments on Hamas followed the death of Ismail Haniyeh, the group’s former leader who was assassinated in Iran on July 31.
Ms Tuna’s post was described as ‘appalling’ and ‘divisive’, yet she was featured in an advertisement promoting the Australian of the Year awards by the National Australia Day Council (NADC) just days later.
The ad was also shared by the Department of Premier and Cabinet which urged Victorians to ‘recognise someone in your community who’s helping Victorians’.
Betul Tuna (pictured) called members of Hamas, a terrorist organisation, ‘freedom fighters’
Ms Tuna is the recipient of the Australian of the Year ‘Local Hero’ award (pictured, Ms Tuna accepting the award from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese)
However, it’s not the first time the NADC has overlooked Ms Tuna’s support of Palestine, the Herald Sun reported.
The activist has shared several anti-Israel posts since Hamas’ October 7 massacre and the subsequent war in Gaza, which has caused a humanitarian crisis.
Ms Tuna also recently shared photos of a protester wearing a jumper with the words ‘Intifada Revolution’ at a rally in Melbourne’s CBD.
The phrase calls for a violent uprising against Israel. Two Intifadas in the past led to the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin called for the NADC to refocus its awards on ‘leadership and virtuous behaviour’ rather than honouring those who ‘inflame and divide’.
Ms Tuna (pictured) described herself as a ‘change maker, activist, advocate and Intersectional Feminist’ and works for the Victorian Government in child protection
‘Ms Tuna’s comments on terrorism and support for violent uprisings show she has swallowed the shallow propaganda of the anti-Israel movement hook, line and sinker,’ he said.
‘If Ms Tuna is prepared to meet with Jewish Australians, including victims of Palestinian terrorism, to better understand why her words are so appalling and hurtful, we would be happy to facilitate that.’
In response to the criticism against Ms Tuna in light of its recent ad, the NADC said: ‘Nominations for the Australian of the Year – Local Hero award acknowledge individuals who have made a significant contribution at a local community level.
‘Recipients are selected by an independent committee from a shortlist of nominations put forward by the Victorian community.’
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