Protesters continue ‘death to IDF’ chant at Melbourne rally following antisemitic attacks

Pro-Palestinian protesters including children chanted “Death to the IDF” at a demonstration in Melbourne less than 48 hours after an antisemitic attack on a Melbourne synagogue.

The chants came after a number of leaders of the pro-Palestinian protest condemned the attempted firebombing of an East Melbourne synagogue on Friday while children and families were inside.

Pro-Palestinian protesters march in Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday, two days after attacks on a synagogue and an Israeli restaurant.Credit: Chris Hopkins

Despite a rally organiser’s condemnation of the attack during the protest, two pre-teen Melbourne sisters, who had previously made moving remarks about the suffering of children their age in Gaza, then led chants of “Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]” and “Death, death to the IOF [Israeli Occupying Force]”.

On the same night as Friday’s synagogue attack, a group of 20 people stormed Israeli restaurant Miznon in the CBD, upturning tables, distressing diners and chanting “Death to the IDF”.

Police are also investigating a third incident, on Saturday morning, in which three cars were set on fire and the wall of a business in Melbourne’s north-east was spray-painted with graffiti.

The protest and the chants came after political leaders hit out at the protests which came two days after Friday night’s incidents.

On Sunday, counterterrorism detectives charged Sydney man Angelo Loras over the alleged arson attack on East Melbourne Synagogue, while police continued to investigate the incident at Miznon. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and was remanded until July 22. The court heard it was the accused’s first time custody.

Police said they were still trying to determine whether to classify the alleged arson as an act of terror.

A police source, who cannot be identified speaking about operational matters, said at least one of those who invaded the restaurant was part of a group known to counter-terrorism police for sometimes organising left-wing protests that turned violent.

Victoria Police declined to comment on the identity of the person or the nature of the groups involved.

At the protest on Sunday, an organiser who did not wish to be identified opened the event by condemning the attack on the synagogue where 20 worshippers were gathered for a meal on the weekly Jewish holy day of Shabbat, on Friday night.

She later told this masthead: “We’ve always stood against antisemitism; attacks on synagogues, worshipping and praying. That’s not what we stand for, and we condemn the attacks.”

At the rally, a large, watermelon-inspired sign reading “Ceasefire Now” led the group down Swanston Street, followed by marchers with signs reading “Death death to the IDF”, “Glory to the Martyrs” and “You’re sick of us? We’re sick of Israel killing children”.

Speakers at the rally focused heavily on the killing by Israeli forces of hundreds of starving Palestinian civilians as they attempted to secure food at the stations run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

On Sunday, state Opposition Leader Brad Battin said the Victorian government should give police stronger powers to move on protesters, which the Coalition has pledged to reintroduce if elected.

“When we had those laws here in Victoria, the police had the power to move people on, and protests like this could be stopped before they got to the stage they are these days,” Battin said.

“There needs to be some big changes so you can feel safe in the community as a Jewish person living here in Victoria.”

Battin said police officers wanted the laws and there would be a “clear vote” on the issue at the 2026 election.

In December, the Allan government pledged a range of new measures to tackle a rise in antisemitic incidents, including the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea.

This included bans on the display of flags and symbols from listed terrorist organisations in public, face masks at protests and the use of glue, rope, chains and other attachment devices to cause disruptions.

New laws will also be introduced to protect places or worship, with consultation under way on the best methods, including the potential establishment of “safe access areas” prohibiting protests, or the strengthening of existing offences.

Allan government minister Colin Brooks said the government condemned Friday’s attacks and pointed to the government’s looming legislation.

“It’s not protest; that is hate fuelled mob violence and crime,” he said.

Palestinian supporters rallied in Swanston Street.Credit: Alexander Darling

“The premier’s been very strong on this. We’ve seen the police respond very quickly ... There’s a lot of work that the Victorian government is doing to stamp this out.”

Brooks said he believed Allan would visit the East Melbourne synagogue on Monday.

Liberal MP David Southwick said the government should have already implemented its proposed laws, which were announced seven months ago.

“The Jewish community feel under siege,” he said. “What is the government waiting for? We saw it happen at Adass. It should have been a warning sign for the government to get off their backsides and ensure that the community can be kept safe.”

A source in the pro-Palestine movement, who asked to speak anonymously, said the protesters at Miznon were “dickheads that think they are righteous and have the right to impact innocent bystanders”.

“It ruins public opinion – they do it in Palestine’s name and not one Palestinian was there.”

The Whistleblowers, Activists & Communities Alliance, a group tied to the storming of the Miznon restaurant, urged the public to “stop clutching their pearls” and instead focus on the conflict in Gaza.

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