While most Lebanese Australians, along with the rest of Australia, focus on the 2024 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement, a group of Australians is left in shock by the theft of a statue that represents the first generation of Lebanese immigrants in Australia.

The “Lebanese Emigrant” statue in Preston, Victoria, Australia, was reported stolen between the 14th and 15th of November 2024. The statue is one of two in Australia that mark the significance of the new homeland for Lebanese immigrants who arrived in Victoria in the mid-nineteenth century. The other statue, “El Emigrante,” remains untouched in Cathedral Square, Brisbane.

Ramy Eid, President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union State Council in Victoria, and Antoine Karam, President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union State Council in Australia and New Zealand, issued a joint statement on the issue and its relevance to the community during this difficult time.

“The act of stealing this statue is not merely an offense against a piece of art, but a violation of the identity, history, and culture of an entire community and an insult to the sacrifices of thousands of Lebanese who were compelled to emigrate.”

In Parliament, the Member for the Northern Metropolitan Region, Evan Mulholland – MP, called on the Minister for Police in Victoria, Anthony Carbines, and the Victoria Police to investigate the theft as a matter of urgency, given the sensitivities surrounding the conflict in Lebanon.

“I join with the cultural union (World Lebanese Cultural Union) and the local Lebanese community in my electorate in calling for Victoria Police to investigate thoroughly and ensure the statue is returned and the perpetrators found. I ask that you work with Victoria Police to do so and provide my community with an update,” Mulholland said.

A Victoria Police spokesperson issued a statement urging the public to come forward with any information about the incident.

“Anyone with information, CCTV (or) dashcam footage, or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or log onto www.crimestoppers.com.au,” said a spokesperson from Victoria Police.

The Minister for Police in Victoria, Anthony Carbines, has fourteen days from the time the question is issued in Parliament to respond.

Mulholland expressed his hope that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, noting the impact it has had on his constituents.

“There is obviously a lot of people upset in the Lebanese community about what has happened. Given the sensitivities of what is going on in their homeland of Lebanon, I want to do all that I can to help during this time,” said Mulholland.

Oz Arab Media has contacted Victoria Police and the World Lebanese Cultural Union for further updates on the incident.