‘Illiberal bigots’ of the left try to cancel pro-Israel author’s speech in the heart of tolerant Newtown

Organisers of campaign against Douglas Murray accuse British author of ‘fomenting anti-immigration, Islamophobic, anti-black, European civilisational moral panics’

A best-selling British author has blamed “illiberal bigots” for mounting a campaign to cancel his plans to speak at the Enmore Theatre in the heart of the progressive inner west suburb of Newtown.

Douglas Murray, who has written a number of books including The Strange Death of Europe and The Madness of Crowds, is due to appear at the theatre with former ABC Weekend Breakfast host Josh Szeps on March 24.

One petition organised by the self-described “leftist anti-Zionist” group Tzedek Collective, has attracted nearly 1,500 signature, has called for the Enmore Theatre to cancel the appearance.

“We must not allow this to happen in our backyard. Local support for this petition can ensure Douglas Murray does not get the opportunity to spread his hate in the Inner West,” the petition reads, before calling for the event to be cancelled and the theatre to apologise.

The organisers also accused Mr Murray, who is also associate editor of the UK Spectator magazine, of “fomenting anti-immigration, Islamophobic, anti-black, European civilisational moral panics.”

Patrons file past the Enmore Theatre, where controversial British author Douglas Murray is scheduled to speak next month. Picture: Leigh Roberts

Mr Murray, who has written a number of best-selling books, said that he had been subjected to a “concerted campaign” wherever he spoke which he said was “because of my support for Israel, it’s driving them mad.”

“But I don’t care, and I make no apologies for my views and I make no apologies for being on the side of Israel against the terrorists of Hamas.”

British author Douglas Murray. Picture: Roberto Ricciuti/Getty Images

“If that disturbs a few illiberal bigots in Sydney or elsewhere, so be it.:”

Mr Murray said that wherever he spoke, activists tried to shut down his appearances for his views including that, as he wrote soon after the October 7 attacks, “the civilised world should seek revenge (and) back Israel and back the destruction of Hamas.”

An appearance in London earlier this month had to be moved at the eleventh hour after staff at that city’s Apollo Theatre refused to work the event.

Mr Murray suggested that instead of boycotting his talks, his foes should “book a ticket.”

“Anyone who is interested in the Middle East should know more and the best way to know more is to listen more as I do with Palestinians and Israelis alike … if there are people who know things you don’t know it is worth listening to them.”

“The talks in Australia will be about a whole range of subjects on a range of topics that are on the minds of Australians and everyone else these days … they’ll cover a lot of ground and have some fun.”

Enmore Theatre management was contacted for comment.