Jewish attendees exit Malvern community concert over “Free Palestine” misunderstanding

Jewish attendees have walked out of a Malvern community concert early after a performer uttered a divisive chant while on stage, but organisers say it was all a misunderstanding.

Jewish concertgoers have walked out of a community performance in anger after the lead singer of local music group, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, recited a divisive chant while on stage.

Lead singer Nicky Bomba on Sunday evening uttered “Free, free Palestine” into the microphone during the Sunset Sounds concert at Malvern Park, leaving many attendees disgusted, according to witnesses.

But the band and the City of Stonnington have rushed to clarify exactly what unfolded during the tense moments, insisting Mr Bomba only repeated the words in an attempt to clarify something an attendee in the crowd had shouted out.

Both parties denied any political motivations.

“I was there,” Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich told the Herald Sun on Tuesday.

“I saw the hurt ripple through the Jewish community as families packed their belongings and left, unable to stay …

“One Israeli-born attendee even confronted the band, courageously voicing the outrage many of us felt.”

Melbourne Ska Orchestra Nicky Bomba repeated a crowd members chant while on stage at the Sunset Sounds concert in Malvern. Picture: Brendan Radke.

A spokesperson for the City of Stonnington said the issue was all a misunderstanding while distancing themselves from the politically charged chant itself.

“The City of Stonnington is aware of an incident at last night’s Sunset Sounds concert,” they said.

“An artist interacted with a heckler from the crowd, and repeated a political comment made by the crowd member in order to clarify the comment that had been made.

“These comments are attributable to individuals involved and do not reflect any held views of Council. This event was not political in nature, and the Council takes pride in being a diverse and inclusive community.”

The Melbourne Ska Orchestra performed in Malvern on Sunday evening. Picture: Supplied

Manager of the popular music group Wally Maloney confirmed the City’s version of events, and said the band’s focus was to unite, not divide.

“During Sunday’s Sunset Sounds performance, a band member briefly repeated a comment made by an audience member to clarify what was said,” he said.

“This was an unscripted and spontaneous moment, with no political intent.

“Our focus is always on creating a positive and inclusive environment through music. We regret any misunderstanding or upset caused.”

Mr Abramovich said the lead singer should have known not to voice the “inflammatory” words or called the user of them out.

“If the intent was truly to clarify, why not immediately condemn the heckler’s comment and reaffirm the event’s purpose of celebrating music and community?,” he said.

“Instead, the choice to repeat the chant only served to magnify its impact, ensuring that every family, every child, and every Jewish attendee felt the sting …”

Originally published as Jewish attendees exit Malvern community concert over “Free Palestine” misunderstanding