Intimidating scenes of pro-Palestinian protesters surrounding a small group calling for the release of Israeli hostages
Police have intervened to monitor a small group calling for the release of Israeli hostages when they were besieged by a screaming crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters.
About 15 people held a vigil at Rundle Mall in central Adelaide on Sunday afternoon, calling for the release of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas during their October 7 raid.
Video of the incident shows the small group standing next to photos of the kidnapped Israelis taped to the ground and carrying Israeli flags or small banners in support of the Jewish state.
They were surrounded by a larger group waving Palestinian flags and shouting “shame, shame” and “Free Palestine” as police kept the two groups apart.
Police were forced to monitor a vigil for kidnapped Israelis after it was surrounded by screaming members of a pro-Palestinian protest
The Australian Jewish Association said it had received a number of videos of the tense confrontation.
“The ugly scenes we saw in Adelaide should shock all Australians,” an Association spokesperson told Ny Breaking Australia.
“A group of Australian Jews held a peaceful and respectful vigil for the 240 hostages kidnapped by Hamas, including babies, children and grandparents, and were surrounded by a shouting pro-Palestinian crowd that tried to intimidate them.”
‘The Jewish community in Australia feels under siege. We are calling on governments and police across Australia to take stronger action to protect the Jewish community.”
‘The Jewish community in Australia feels under siege.’
The small group that organized the vigil was criticized from all sides by protesters on Sunday afternoon
South Australian police said they made no arrests during the heated scenes.
“Members of the public have the right to lawfully assemble or protest to raise awareness of issues. The role of police at such events is to enforce the law and keep the peace,” a spokesperson said.
There were large pro-Palestinian protests in a number of Australian cities this weekend.
In Sydney, thousands of people marched through the city from Hyde Park on Saturday.
Melbourne’s city center was brought to a standstill on Sunday by a huge crowd of protesters marching from the State Library to the Victorian Parliament.
Similar protests were also held in Perth and Brisbane on Sunday afternoon.