Bachar Houli: Footy legend ignites controversy over pro-Palestine video as Richmond AFL bosses begs him to take it down
An AFL legend was convinced to delete a pro-Palestinian social media post after club bosses and a prominent Jewish fan intervened.
Richmond’s three-time premiership player Bachar Houli shared a short film last Friday that spliced together snippets of news footage of the bloody conflict with a voiceover.
The video, originally shared by rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams, accuses the media of spreading disinformation and encouraging people to side with Israel.
It also suggests that there is a conspiracy to silence the voices of people who support Palestine.
Bachar Houli (pictured), a three-time premiership player for Richmond, shared a short film last Friday that merges snippets of news footage of the bloody conflict with a voiceover
The major AFL eventually removed the video after being contacted by league bosses and a prominent Jewish fan
“A genocide is taking place in Palestine,” the video says at the end.
‘And it’s been happening for years, not just now. Don’t let biased media push you to support the oppressor. FREE PALESTINE.’
Houli, 35, was contacted by Richmond CEO Brendon Gale, who asked him to remove it, but he refused.
Hale then escalated the matter to the AFL, fearing it would spark community unrest. Daily telegram.
AFL Commissioner Paul Bassat reportedly called Houli.
He also spoke with Paul Naphtali, a Richmond fan and prominent member of the Jewish community.
He replaced the video with a statement condemning the killing of innocent lives, but some still criticized him
Houli, who retired in 2021, was the first devout Muslim to play in the AFL (photo with Dan Andres)
Mr Naphtali said he was a Richmond fan who supported the Jolson Houli Unity Cup – played by the state’s best Jewish and Muslim footballers – and saw Houli “as an ambassador for peace.”
“I was made aware of the video he posted because it was inconsistent with that goal (peace),” he told the newspaper.
‘To Bachar’s credit, when I messaged him, he called me, listened and talked about the content of the video.
“I would describe the post as misinformed and dangerous. Bachar has a big platform, a lot of supporters, but we all make mistakes.’
Mr Naphtali praised Houli’s willingness to argue the other side of the argument.
“It’s an example of why engagement and dialogue are so important,” he said.
Houli deleted the video on Sunday and replaced it with a statement.
Israeli airstrikes bomb Gaza on October 25, 2023
Palestinians search for victims at the site of Israeli attacks on homes as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 26, 2023
A Palestinian man carries a child victim at the scene of Israeli attacks on homes
“As many know, I am a man of faith and peace, and have always tried to live my life according to the Islamic values of respect, peace and love taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” it reads.
‘I will always advocate inclusivity and bringing people together. The past few weeks have taken a heavy toll on all of us and I would like to remind people that I do NOT condone the murder of ANY INNOCENT people, regardless of their faith or culture.
“I remind my fellow Australians that racism, discrimination or violence against innocent people is completely unacceptable.
“I have many friends of different faiths who are against this war and I stand in solidarity with them and pray for peace and justice for all the oppressed around the world. I pray for peace, love and humanity. Ameen.’
However, many criticized his previous position.
“Your previous post suggests the exact opposite,” wrote one.
Houli with his wife Rouba Abou-Zeid and their two children
“You have promoted hatred, terror and lies. You do not want peace and security for the Jews and Israel.
“Although that feeling is disgusting, at least be honest and don’t talk in riddles.”
Sonny Bill Williams still has the post on his Instagram.
The former cross-code sensation, who provides on-field commentary for Stan Sport for the Rugby World Cup in France, has shared many posts on social media criticizing Israel.
Houli, who retired in 2021, was the first devout Muslim to play in the AFL.
He founded the Bachar Houli Foundation in 2012 to provide education and sports programs for young Muslim boys and girls.
Next year he plans to open the Islamic College of Sport in Melbourne to give young Muslim students the opportunity to compete at a high level.
Houli is depicted with Waleed Aly who wrote an introduction to his autobiography