In light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory regarding the public display of foreign national emblems related to this conflict in Singapore.
In its advisory the ministry stated that it is “aware” of apparel and paraphernalia with foreign national emblems related to the Israel-Hamas conflict being sold online and worn or displayed by members of the public.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is an emotive issue.
“We would like to advise against the public display and wearing of articles in relation to the conflict, given the heightened sensitivities”.
All travellers using our checkpoints are also advised not to display or wear such articles. The authorities will take firm action against those who refuse to comply, including denying their entry into Singapore.
- Ministry of Home Affairs Singapore
ADVISORY
According to the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit is considered an offence, unless explicitly exempted. Offenders may face a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment for a term of up to six months, or both.
Given the sensitivities surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, the ministry strongly advised against the public display and wearing of articles related to the conflict.
All individuals, including travellers seeking to enter Singapore, are urged not to display or wear such items. Failure to comply may result in firm action, including denial of entry into Singapore.
Furthermore, the ministry emphasizes that promoting or supporting terrorism through the display of apparel or paraphernalia carrying logos of terrorist or militant groups, such as HAMAS or the Al-Qassam Brigades, will not be tolerated.
“The peace and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore should not be taken for granted, and we must not let events happening externally affect this peace and harmony we have in Singapore”
- Ministry of Home Affairs Singapore
In order to show support for those affected by the conflict, Singaporeans are encouraged to contribute to authorized fundraising activities and donation drives organized by charities granted a Fund-Raising for Foreign Charitable Purposes permit by the Commissioner of Charities.
The Singapore Red Cross Society and the Rahmatan Lil Alamin (Blessings to All) Foundation are among the charities currently involved in humanitarian relief efforts.
NOTE : Important updates regarding the Gaza fundraising appeal:
RLAF has received an extension of permit from the Commissioner of Charities (CoC) and the collection will now be conducted until Friday, 17 November 2023. We are grateful for the outpouring of contributions with a total of $4,614,283 raised so far.
To support our cause and find more information, visit our website with new url at www.rlafoundation.org.sg/gaza2023
Singaporeans may wish to show support to those affected by the ongoing conflict by contributing to authorised fundraising activities and donation drives in support of humanitarian relief efforts by charities which have been granted a Fund-Raising for Foreign Charitable Purposes permit by the Commissioner of Charities, such as the Singapore Red Cross Society and the Rahmatan Lil Alamin (Blessings to All) Foundation.
- Ministry of Home Affairs Singapore
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the National Parks Board (NParks) had officially announced the rejection of applications to organize events related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Singapore.
The Singapore government has declined five applications to use the Speakers’ Corner for events relating the Israel-Hamas war, according to Minister of State for Home and National Development, Associate Faishal Ibrahim.
The was announced during a parliamentary on Monday.
The rejection follows tensions between the two sides, with Hamas launching a surprise attack Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people and the taking of more than 230 hostages. Israel responded with air strikes and ground offensives in the Gaza Strip, governed by Hamas, resulting in a death toll of nearly 10,000 people as per the media reports.
The Singapore police and National Parks Board have stated that they will reject applications for events and public assemblies related to the conflict.
Activist Gilbert Goh is currently under investigation for displaying a sign about the conflict at the Speakers’ Corner.
During the parliamentary debate, Nominated MP Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi expressed disappointment with the government’s decision to reject applications. He argued that discussing the conflict could provide important lessons for national education and that the topic is already widely covered online and in the news.
Dr Alhabsyi called for the government to reconsider, stating that allowing peaceful discussions on sensitive issues can lead to a more mature and nuanced society over time.
The Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park is the only outdoor area in Singapore where citizens can hold assemblies and processions without a police permit. Applicants must seek approval from the National Parks Board.
Over the past three years, NParks has received over 400 applications to use the Speakers’ Corner for events, with seven applications being rejected. Five of these rejections were for events related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, while the remaining two were for unrelated events in December 2022 and August.
Assoc Prof Faishal highlighted public safety and security concerns, citing incidents of violence related to the conflict in other countries.
He also expressed concerns about tensions and the potential for public demonstrations to advocate for one side of the conflict, which could divide Singaporeans. He emphasized that allowing one event would require allowing others.
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