Anthony Albanese condemns controversial pro-Palestinian chant

Anthony Albanese says controversial pro-Palestinian chant “from the river to the sea” opposes a two-state solution, after Education Minister Jason Clare sat on the fence about its meaning.

Anthony Albanese says controversial pro-Palestinian chant “from the river to the sea” opposes a two-state solution, after an embarrassing fumble by his senior minister.

The Prime Minister’s comments come in stark contrast to Education Minister Jason Clare, who on Sunday sat on the fence saying people had different views about the chant’s meaning.

The peak body representing the Jewish community has welcomed the clarification, as tensions rise on Australian university campuses about the use of anti-Israel slogans and students are camping in support of Palestine.

Asked about concerns “from the river to the sea” was an anti-Semitic slogan, Mr Albanese said it was a “slogan that calls for opposition to a two state solution” which was not in the interests of Israelis or Palestinians.

“My position is very clear, and the government’s position is clear, and it’s been a bipartisan position for a long period of time,” he said.

“These are complex (issues) and require important considered response.

“The long term solution in the Middle East requires a two state solution.

“The right of Israel to continue to exist within secure borders, but the right of Palestinians to have justice as well, to have self-determination, and also to be able to live in security, peace and prosperity.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets with Jewish Australians.

Mr Albanese acknowledged that social cohesion in Australia was “being frayed at the moment”, including by a rise in anti-Semitism, and said he was “very concerned”.

Mr Clare on Sunday advocated for a two-state solution. But when asked if calls including “from the river to the sea” or “intifada” – a Palestinian uprising against Israel – were intimidatory or anti-Semitic, he said: “I’ve seen people say that those words mean the annihilation of Israel. I’ve seen people say that it means the opposite. I’ve seen people say that they’re slogans that Israeli political parties have used too.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin, who described the statement as disappointing, welcomed Mr Albanese’s comments.

“The chant not only opposes a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it proposes its own solution that would see the sovereign homeland of the Jewish people destroyed and replaced with another ethnically homogenous Arab state,” Mr Ryvchin said.

“Hopefully the Prime Minister’s positive remarks will be heard by those who have brought hatred to our streets and campuses, which has damaged harmony in our country and undermined the safety and acceptance of Jewish Australians.”

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare on Sunday sat on the fence about the chant, saying people had different views about its meaning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Opposition education spokeswoman Senator Sarah Henderson said the level of hate speech, intimidation and harassment of Jewish students and staff on university campuses was “absolutely appalling”.

Senator Henderson called for codes of conduct to be enforced after meeting with Jewish university students, academics and community leaders on Monday.

She accused Mr Clare of “implicitly greenlighting anti-Jewish hate-speech” with his comments.

“If hate speech at universities is not banned by this hapless minister he should resign,” Senator Henderson said, adding that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should intervene.

“I say also to university vice-chancellors, if you can’t uphold codes of conduct at your universities to ensure everyone is safe on university campuses then you also need to consider your position.”

It comes as about 50 RMIT students and teachers gathered on Bowen St on Monday to launch their encampment in “solidarity with Gaza”.

Students and Pro-Palestine supporters Ivy, Lily, Amelia and Zeinab, among the tent set up at RMIT. Picture: NCA Newswire / Nicki Connolly

The group marched through the university’s main building on La Trobe St chanting “from the river to the sea” and “free free Palestine” before heading to the RMIT Alumni Courtyard.

By 2pm, more than 15 tents were pitched. RMIT Students for Palestine convener Amelia Christie said students will camp “for as long as it takes”.

“RMIT students are really fired up and we’re not going to stand down,” she said.

The group’s co-convener James McVicar said Mums for Palestine assisted with the encampment by providing food.

“I’ve had messages from staff telling me when their lectures are so I can come around and let their students know and message saying we can give you anything you need,” he said.

An RMIT spokesman said the university supported freedom of speech that is “lawful and free from any form of discrimination, racism or behaviour that could put the safety and wellbeing of our community at risk”.

The encampment at RMIT followed students setting up similar camps at the University of Melbourne and Monash University last week, with similar events being held at international institutions.

Deakin University and La Trobe University students will also kick off encampments on Tuesday.