‘Hatred against Jews needs to be cut down’: Pro-Israel rally attracts hundreds

Hundreds gathered in Brisbane CBD on Sunday afternoon to rally against what is feared to be growing anti-Semitism in Queensland. PHOTOS, VIDEOS

Hillit Zehavi with her children (L-R) Beri 10, Roni 8 and Shaked 12 among the Pro Israel supporters at a rally for Never Again Is Now. Pic: Lyndon Mechielsen.

Hundreds gathered in Brisbane CBD on Sunday afternoon to rally against what is feared to be growing anti-Semitism in Queensland.

Members of the Jewish and Christian communities gathered at Brisbane’s Roma Street Parklands.

The ‘Never Again is Now’ rally is part of a movement vowing to “push back the hate” in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre and conflict in Gaza.

Never Again is Now campaign co-founder Reverend Mark Leach said events like the peaceful rally are about bringing all religions together and standing against hate.

Pro Israel supporters at a rally in the Brisbane CBD.

“The weed of hatred against Jews needs to be cut down before it takes over the culture,” Mr Leach said.

“These events show that every day Australians want to stop the hate and stand with the Jewish people against the anti-Semitism and hate that’s directed against them.”

The rally heard from political representatives, community leaders, a member of the anti-Islamic-fundamentalist Iranian community, Christian pastors and Indigenous supporters.

Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Jason Steinberg said anti-Semitism appeared to be increasing in Queensland.

The rally was peaceful and went for several hours in the Roma St Parklands.

“Sixty per cent of our community have experienced direct anti-Semitism – that’s bullying, harassment, physical assault – it’s in schools, it’s at workplaces and it’s online,” he said.

Iran Novin Party representative Hasam Orouji extended his support for the Israeli community by appealing to the Australian government.

“We are trying to help the Israeli community by participating in these rallies as well as appeal to the Australian government to add Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the terrorism list,” Mr Orouji said.

Several rallies were held across the country.

Deputy Opposition leader Jarrod Bleijie and young anti-Semitism activist Freya Leach also attended to speak at the rally.

Jewish Hillit Zehavi said the people should be urged to speak up to support the Jewish and Israeli communities.

“I am here to support our community and spread awareness that people need to speak up about respecting human rights wherever they are,” she said.

Originally published as ‘Hatred against Jews needs to be cut down’: Pro-Israel rally attracts hundreds