Pro-Palestinian protesters storm Jewish holiday event at Brisbane pub

A private Jewish celebration in Brisbane turned chaotic when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the venue, jostling patrons and hurling objects at them. WATCH THE VIDEO

• Editor’s view: This shames us

Pro-Palestinian protesters have gatecrashed a private Jewish event at a popular Brisbane pub, with one partygoer claiming they were jostled, screamed at and had something thrown at them by some among the crowd as they entered.

Jewish leaders condemned the protesters’ actions, labelling it a new low, while Premier David Crisafulli said he wanted all multicultural groups to be able to celebrate what made them special.

Queensland LNP Senator and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Paul Scarr described the snap protest as deeply troubling.

It is understood members of the Jewish community attended a private function at The Wickham in Fortitude Valley to celebrate the Jewish holiday Shavuot.

An attendee Aaron, who wished to only be identified by first name, claimed he was jostled and had something thrown at him as he attempted to enter the building.

“I had people, you know, five inches from my face, shouting that I was a baby killer, and I should be ashamed of myself and that all Zionists are terrorists, etc, and all I was trying to do was go to a Jewish function to celebrate a festival that happened to be a dance party,” he said.

“It was something that was terrifying and intimidating, … I was scared once I was in there, it would be very difficult to get out.”

He said the protesters were outside from about 5.30pm to 8.45pm.

Pro Palestine protesters protesting a Jewish community event at the Wickham Hotel in Fortitude Valley on Saturday night Picture Supplied

Queensland LNP Senator and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Paul Scarr described the snap protest as deeply troubling and condemned the actions of the group.

“Following the reports, I reached out to members of the Queensland Jewish community. I heard of the fear and intimidation that was felt by members of the community on Saturday night,” Mr Scarr said.

“There is no excuse to engage in protest actions which intimidate and instil fear. It is shameful. It is unacceptable.

“There is no excuse to target a community on the basis of ethnicity, religion, race, country of origin or any other such attribute. It is anathema to our Australian values and way of life.”

Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies President Jason Steinberg on Sunday condemned the incident.

“This was a mob ready to disrupt a Jewish event on the streets of Brisbane, in a pub, and it’s unacceptable that it happened, and it’s a terrible situation for our community, who have been feeling unsafe since the seventh of October 2023, and an incident like this makes us feel less safe,” Mr Steinberg said.

“It was a fun time for people to gather and in a very challenging time where we haven’t felt safe as a community or felt very happy about the rise in anti-Semitism, so for this group to target us in that way is a new low.”

Details of the event were purposely kept hidden from the public, Mr Steinberg said, and was surprised to learn the protesters had found out about the event.

Mr Crisafulli said on Sunday: “I make this point, I want multicultural groups to be able to celebrate what makes them special, and to be able to be a part of the state.”

Former Greens councillor Jonathan Sriranganthan live-streamed the protest and praised the protesters who showed “their opposition to Zionism on the streets of Brisbane”.

There is no suggestion Mr Sriranganthan engaged in any wrongdoing, nor that any of the claims made here pertain to him.

“They’re not causing any real disruption; they’re just out here voicing their opposition to Zionism and The Wickham’s decision,” Mr Sriranganthan said.

Videos from the snap protest show dozens of people with Palestinian flags chanting “from the river to the sea” and “free, free Palestine” as they made their way to The Wickham’s entrance.

Queensland police said they were investigating the disturbance and no arrests had been made.

“Officers engaged with the group and remained at the scene to keep the peace and ensure the safety of venue patrons,” a spokesperson said.

“Everyone in Queensland has a right to feel safe, to not feel threatened or victimised.

“Anyone who feels threatened or fearful by the actions of others should contact police.”

The Wickham was approached for comment.

Originally published as Pro-Palestinian protesters storm Jewish holiday event at Brisbane pub