Controversial ‘death to IDF’ chants, swastikas flood pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne’s CBD

Controversial chants and swastika-covered signs have flooded a Pro-Palestine rally in the CBD.

Hate speech and swastikas were seen at the pro-Palestine rally. Picture: Supplied.

Controversial ‘death to IDF’ chants and swastika-covered signs have been at the centre of a pro-Palestine rally in the CBD.

Free Palestine Melbourne rally MC Hajar called out the chant to hundreds of protesters outside the State Library on Sunday morning — with the majority of the crowd repeating the slogan.

A protester holding a sign with a controversial slogan. Picture: Josie Hayden

The protesters gathered in Melbourne on Sunday. Picture: Josie Hayden

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the State Library. Picture: Josie Hayden

“This one’s a bit controversial apparently: “Death, death to the IDF,” Hajar said.

Multiple demonstrators also carried signs emblazoned with “death to the IDF”, “death to the IOF” and swastikas.

The disruptive behaviour comes despite the Andrews government introducing a ban on swastikas and other hate symbols in 2023.

The law makes it illegal to display hate symbols publicly, with any representation of the Nazi swastika, the Hakenkreuz, constituting a criminal offence.

One poster, titled “how the world loved the swastika - until Hitler stole it”, included multiple definitions of the swastika.

It also displayed information regarding its origin as a religious symbol and more than a dozen images of swastikas.

“In the Western world the swastika is synonymous with fascism, but it goes back thousands of years and has been used as a symbol of good fortune in almost every culture in the world,” the poster read.

Two police officers were seen talking to a man who appeared to be the owner of the sign.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman later confirmed police were assessing whether the poster was a criminal offence.

“A man was spoken to at the rally and police are looking into the displayed sign to determine if any offences have occurred,” she said.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion KC said the “death to the IDF” chant was divisive and hateful.

“The attack on the diners at Miznon a week ago shows where that incitement leads,” he said.

“The organisers of these protests say, again and again, that they are protesting peacefully but their repeated rabble rousing, death chants and hateful messages shows what they are really about.”

Mr Aghion said the protesters’ use of the “death to the IDF” chant showed they were acting in bad faith.

“We need some clarity on whether the chant is unlawful,” he said.

“If it isn’t, then maybe we need to adjust the laws.

“However, if we ban this chant, the protesters will simply move on to another chant.”

Australia Israel & Jewish Affairs Council executive director Dr Colin Rubenstein said chanting for death to anyone was abhorrent.

“The chant ‘death to the IDF’ is a blatant incitement to violence, and as such is already prohibited under Australian law,” he said.

“This is effectively a chant for the death of most Israelis, as Israel’s precarious security situation means there is widespread conscription, including among Israelis who have since immigrated to Australia. It is also a chant demanding Israel is denied its ability and right to defend itself.

“The Jewish community in Melbourne has been deeply distressed by the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests, where the constant presence of hostile chants and calls for violence has left many feeling tormented, fearful, and would certainly appear to be related to criminal acts including the recent attempted firebombing of a synagogue.

“It is essential that Victoria Police use their existing powers to prevent this kind of vitriol from spilling into the streets. The line between free expression and incitement to violence is clear, and it is vital that the authorities act to maintain public safety including upholding the rights of the Jewish community and all those affected.”

Originally published as Controversial ‘death to IDF’ chants, swastikas flood pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne’s CBD