Fury as iconic Myer Christmas tradition is cancelled in Melbourne following threat from pro-Palestine protesters

An iconic Australian Christmas tradition that has been held for almost 70 years will not go ahead amid fears the family-friendly event could be hijacked by pro-Palestinian activists.

The famous annual Myer Christmas unveiling, scheduled for Sunday in the Melbourne CBD on Bourke Street, has been canceled due to security concerns following a planned pro-Palestinian protest.

The department store giant confirmed on Thursday that the beloved Christmas tradition will not continue.

“In light of recent developments and to ensure the wellbeing and safety of customers and team members, we will no longer be holding an event at Bourke Street Mall to unveil our Christmas window displays,” a Myer spokesperson said.

‘Myer’s Christmas windows have long been a symbol of joy and community, and we remain committed to providing a safe and positive experience for all visitors.’

Pro-Palestinian activist group Disrupt Wars plans to meet at Bourke Street Mall on Sunday.

“Christmas has been canceled and there will be no joy or frivolity while children in Gaza are slaughtered,” the group posted on social media.

“It hinders those who would rather stick their heads in the capitalist machine than speak out against a genocide.”

The annual Myer Christmas unveiling, scheduled for Sunday at Bourke Street Mall, has been canceled due to security concerns following a planned pro-Palestinian protest

An image on social media contained the threat: ‘Crash the Christmas windows.’

It will be only the second time in its almost 70-year history that Myer’s iconic unveiling has been cancelled.

The event was canceled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.

The cancellation of the long-standing event has angered Jewish leaders.

“Is nothing sacred anymore?” community leader and anti-defamation chairman Dr. Dvir Abramovich told the Herald Sun

“This is not about freedom of speech – it is a toxic hijacking of a family-friendly tradition that has no place in any community.”

“Melbourne’s Christmas window displays are about peace, unity and Christmas magic, not about spreading discord and confrontation.”

“We cannot allow the spirit of Christmas to be exploited as a vehicle for hatred or to spread anger and misinformation.”

A pro-Palestinian group has threatened to ‘collapse the Christmas windows’. The group posted on social media: “Christmas has been canceled and there will be no joy or frivolity while children in Gaza are being slaughtered.”

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed they were aware of reports that protesters were planning to cancel the Myer event.

“We have repeatedly asked them not to do this, but the group is not cooperating with the police.”

The cancellation of Melbourne’s Christmas Family Institute has sparked public outrage.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Liberal Member for the Southern Metropolitan Region Georgie Crozier MP led the response.

‘Unveiling of Myer Christmas Windows canceled due to pro-Palestinian protest. What a shame… these activists are not protesters, they are pathetic, miserable bullies,” she posted on X on Thursday evening.

Aussies also went to X to express their anger.

Protesters are ‘disrupting the war’ to force their way into families and children attending Myer’s Christmas window displays on Sunday. You can’t get dumber and sicker than that,” one person wrote.

Another wrote: ‘Why would protesters want to spoil the Myer Christmas Window?’ When little children would look forward to that? What do they achieve, can’t they let them enjoy one Sunday?’ another wrote.

Channel Seven reporter Nick McCallum also weighed in, urging Myer to reconsider his decision.

“Myer should have gone ahead with the launch of the Christmas windows. It is a wonderful tradition in Melbourne for the entire community. They and the police should have been strong enough to face demonstrators and protect those present. Don’t just give up when the going gets tough!’ he wrote.