Protesters vow to rally in Melbourne over Gaza crisis despite key body quitting weekly rallies
Attempts are under way to keep the tradition of weekly anti-Israel protests despite Free Palestine Melbourne ditching frequent events.
The decision by a dominant anti-Israel protest group to shelve involvement in weekly Melbourne protests over Gaza has sparked a commitment by other entities to continue the Sunday rallies.
Free Palestine Melbourne told its followers last week that the weekly marches, which have angered traders, will stop but the group will continue to advocate for Gazans.
Each week after Israel retaliated over the October 7 atrocities, FPM has helped stage high-profile protests on Sundays in the centre of Melbourne as well as other events.
It has been seen as the dominant group protesting the Israeli response with tens of thousands of people at its height gathering in the city, although other groups such as unions also have been involved.
Other groups on Sunday gathered in Melbourne, with the guest list including Senator Lidia Thorpe and Islamic Council of Victoria president Adel Salman.
Social media posts among anti-Israel groups said weekly rallies would continue, despite FPM’s decision to drop back to monthly involvement.
“Help us keep the community informed that the rallies are in fact continuing in solidarity with and defence of Palestine,’’ it posted.
“Share the rally announcements widely.’’
At their height the protests attracted tens of thousands of people but momentum has diminished over time.
Supported by the Greens, the protests have largely been peaceful. However, they often have included anti-Semitic posters, stickers and chants.
FPM told its supporters in a newsletter: “We will always be working strategically to build an even stronger movement for justice and human rights in Palestine.’’
“The social movement for Palestine since October 7 has been unprecedented and you have all been a major part of it.
“FPM will no longer be part of weekly rallies at the State Library, but we are most definitely not giving up the cause.”
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