Melbourne pro-Palestinian protesters crash Jewish memorial

Thousands of pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protesters hit the streets, where some attempted to bypass bans on flying the Hezbollah flag.

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A Jewish memorial in Melbourne that was organised to commemorate hostages taken into Gaza on October 7 has been disrupted by pro-Palestinian activists.

The brief interruption came as thousands of pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protesters hit the streets of Melbourne on Sunday, where some attempted to bypass bans on flying the Hezbollah flag.

Up to 7000 people attended the pro-Palestinian protest that kicked off at the State Library of Victoria, with many draped in keffiyehs. Some brought blank yellow flags and wore green head bands and wrist ties — the colours of the terrorist group — while others approximated the flag itself.

Flying Hezbollah’s symbols is illegal under section 80.2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code, but it appears protesters attempted to show support for the terrorist group without crossing the line.

Australian Palestine Advocacy Network President Nasser Mashni described the rally as a movement of love and urged the crowd not to let “agitators” provoke them.

“There are a lot of agitators about that are seeking to make this about them,” Mr Mashni said.

“Ignore them.”

Peter Dutton was labelled a “racist” by Islamic Council of Victoria president Adel Salman when he addressed the crowd. “I’d like to acknowledge our political leaders, from the PM to the Premier to the racist Opposition Leader, for promoting our protests,” he said. “My question is, is it free publicity, or are they coming from our tax dollars?”

The group then marched down Swanston Street towards Flinders Street Station, where more speakers addressed the crowd.

A flag bearing the face of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is waved on in Melbourne on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

During a sombre rendition of Ben E. King’s soul standard Stand By Me at the Jewish memorial, a group of three pro-Palestinian protesters broke through the crowd screaming out “free Palestine”. Another woman was led away by police after shouting and appearing to give attendees the middle finger. She was handcuffed following a heated discussion and released several minutes later.

The event’s organiser, who wanted only to be known as Sharon, said 1100 people had registered to attend the memorial, which took place on the eve of October 7.

“Today, peaceful Jews of Melbourne who have been deprived of their rights to exist in Melbourne ‘for their own safety’, will gather to restore their freedom and remind the world about our hostages,” she said. “A complete lack of sanctions has resulted in terror supporting thugs being emboldened to attack and harass Jews and even other uninvolved members of the public, from footy fans to buskers.

“After 12 months of mob rule and no law enforcement, let us revisit our city, honour the hostages, and unite in peace.”

Jewish Australians rally at Southbank as the war between Israel and Hezbollah who are backed by Iran continues in the Middle East. Picture: Ian Currie

Victoria Police said four arrests were made during the protest, with no displays of prohibited symbols. “Around 7000 people attended the demonstration and there were no major issues of note reported to police, however, four people were arrested for public order related matters,” a spokesperson said.

“Overall, police were pleased with the behaviour of attendees.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion KC issued a statement in which he decried an “outpouring of hate” against Australian Jews over the past year. Among other things, Mr Aghion said universities had been “toxic”. and the words “Jews die” had been painted on the wall of a Jewish school in Melbourne.

“We have been threatened with being run over in the street; we have been harassed online and in our workplaces; I have received emails calling me a ‘kike’,” he said.

“Last week, supporters of a terrorist group marched openly in Melbourne and Sydney. I have never felt so excluded from Australian life as I do today.”

He said Australia’s success was built upon its capacity to “welcome and embrace all those who accept and wish to share its culture and values”. “We must not lose that essence of who we are,” he said.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said it was unacceptable for planned pro-Palestine demonstrations, including a vigil, to be held on October 7. Protesters in Melbourne are expected to hold a vigil on Monday evening on the steps of parliament. “It’s critically important to re-emphasise that October 7 is not a day to protest, it’s not a day to add to the deep grief and trauma that is being experienced by so many in our community. It is deeply inappropriate,” she said.

“That day represents the single biggest loss of life on a single given day of the Jewish community since the Holocaust. October 7 is a day that we should be coming together and making that ongoing call for peace, not protest.”

She said Victoria Police were prepared if protests turned violent.

The Australian understands that protests will continue in Melbourne till Tuesday. Asked about protesters carrying Hezbollah flags, Ms Allan said Victoria Police would work with their federal counterparts to take action against anyone who showed support for a terrorist organisation.

Activist Laura Allam, who is facing charges of kidnapping and assault, was spotted at the rally on Sunday. Steel manufacturing company Best Fab’s director and Sit-Intifada founder Ihab Al Azhari was also seen at the protest.