James Campbell: What was said at Palestinian rally is murky but message was clear

From the way this crowd behaved it’s clear many of them wanted to send a message that it wouldn’t be safe to show support for Hamas’s victims on the streets of Sydney.

From “Gas the Jews” to gaslighting the Jews in four short months.

Was “f*** the Jews” chanted during the protest on the steps of Australia’s most famous building? Yeah, there’s evidence of that, the cops have found.

What about “gas the Jews”?

Well, the eminent expert tasked with listening to the recordings — which incidentally police say were NOT doctored — says they actually capture the crowd chanting “where’s the Jews?”

Sure NSW Police can’t rule out there might have been some stray talk of gassing because they’re in possession of a bunch of stat decs from witnesses who say they heard “gas the Jews”.

The mood of the crowd of Palestine supporters rallying outside the Sydney Opera House was hard to misinterpret. Picture: Getty Images

But as to who might have said it, well it’s a bit to tell. So to reiterate.

The legal situation in NSW going forward is “f*** the Jews” is legally fine, as is “Where’s the Jews?” because they’re not an incitement to violence.

Really? What do the police think was meant.

Unless you believe they were asking directions to a late night joint selling matzoh ball soup, there are really only two answers.

Members of the Australian Jewish community hold banners and placards in front of the Sydney Opera House during a more peaceful rally on October 29. Picture: AFP

One is it was they were revelling in Hamas’s “victory” over their enemies by which they mean not just Israelis but Jews.

The other is it was a form of mass incitement — like a firm of soccer hooligans working themselves up to go looking for rival fans.

You could argue that while the first is foul it’s probably not an incitement, but the second?

From the way this crowd behaved it’s clear many of them wanted to send a message that it wouldn’t be safe to show support for Hamas’s victims on the streets of Sydney.

Sydney’s Jews remain proud and unbowed.

But it’s hard not to conclude this mob succeeded in intimidating NSW Police.