‘Common sense should prevail’: Jewish community urges ban of Adelaide pro-Palestinian rally

The nation’s peak Jewish community group wants an Adelaide pro-Palestinian rally banned, fearing a repeat of Sydney anti-Semitism.

Banning an Adelaide pro-Palestine rally on Sunday has been urged by the nation’s peak Jewish community group, which says common sense should prevail to avoid a repeat of ugly Sydney scenes.

Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council executive director Colin Rubenstein told The Advertiser the democratic right to protest did not extend to celebrating butchery or backing a banned terrorist group, Hamas.

If the rally did go ahead, Dr Rubenstein said, authorities should strongly consider legal action against “anyone who repeats the illegal and despicable behaviour which occurred in Sydney”.

A pro-Palestinian mob on Monday night stormed the Opera House steps, chanting anti-Semitic messages in front of the national icon illuminated in Israeli colours to support terror victims.

Pro-Palestinian protesters in front of the Opera House in a rally against Israel. Picture: Jasmine Kazlauskas/news.com.au

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said Solidarity with Palestine organisers on Wednesday booked the Parliament House steps for the rally, insisting police would “act quickly if behaviour escalates, becomes volatile or puts members of the community at risk”.

He said police had no information to suggest the Adelaide and Sydney protest groups were linked.

But Dr Rubenstein said the right to protest did not include “indulging in blatant racial vilification and incitement, as occurred at the Sydney rally”.

“Australian multiculturalism provides everyone certain rights, but also places responsibilities on them to adhere to some basic core democratic values, including mutual respect and tolerance. Common sense should prevail, and the (Adelaide) rally should not go ahead,” he said.

Flares were thrown on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House during Monday night’s pro-Palestinian demonstration. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Mr Stevens told The Advertiser police would have “active engagement” with Adelaide rally organisers to “ensure a safe and orderly event” that did not “encroach on other people’s right to move through the city”.

“Police encourage anyone attending to put their personal safety first and ensure people have the right to protest safely and peacefully, regardless of their personal views.

“Police will be present, and as with all rallies, they will display a level of tolerance consistent with community values surrounding peaceful, lawful, protest,” he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns on Wednesday indicated a pro-Palestine rally planned for Sydney on Sunday would not go ahead, saying: “protest organisers have already proven they’re not peaceful”.

An SA government spokesman said Premier Peter Malinauskas had expressed solidarity with Israeli people to condemn the unprovoked attack by Hamas, a declared terrorist group.

But he said protests must be conducted lawfully, peacefully and safely, insisting the government had “zero tolerance for racist, violent, abusive and offensive behaviour”.

Decisions on protests were a police matter, the spokesman said, using evidence and intelligence.

Opposition Leader David Speirs implored rally participants to be lawful and peaceful, condemning the Sydney mob’s chants and Israeli flag burning as having “no place in modern Australia” and demanding they not be repeated in Adelaide.