Furious Aussies react after iconic 70-year-old Myer tradition is cancelled over fears event will be hijacked by pro-Palestine protesters – as leader smacks them down with withering response

Aussies have rejected plans by ‘pathetic’ pro-Palestinian activists to hijack the festive opening of this year’s Myer Christmas window.

The iconic family-friendly event scheduled for Sunday at the Melbourne CBD store on Bourke Street has been canceled due to safety concerns.

It comes after activist Group Disrupt Wars promoted a ‘Crash the Christmas Windows’ demonstration on Sunday, encouraging supporters to bring banners, flags, signs, noisemakers and props.

“Christmas has been canceled, and there will be no joy or levity while children in Gaza are slaughtered. It would hinder those who would rather stick their heads in the capitalist machine than speak out against a genocide,” the group said.

Victorian Prime Minister Jacinta Allan has spoken out against pro-Palestinian protesters over their “ugly” plans to ruin Christmas traditions for Australian families.

“Blocking Christmas windows will not change anything in the Middle East,” Ms Allan told ABC Radio Melbourne on Friday.

“This is a very small group of people who choose to politicize Christmas, to politicize a beautiful event.”

Aussies shared Ms Allan’s outrage in angry social media posts.

Protesters march during a pro-Palestinian rally in Melbourne in October

‘Disrupt war’ protesters want to force their way into families and children attending the Myer Christmas window displays on Sunday. You can’t get dumber and sicker than that,” one person 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?’ said a second.

Melbourne Mayor Nick Reece said he hoped protesters would realize they had made a mistake and urged them to change their plans.

“If anything good can come from this conversation it is that the protesters realize this is a very stupid thing to do and decide to do something different this weekend rather than disrupt Melbourne’s tradition,” he said. ABC radio.

Liberal MP Sussan Ley ordered the group to “leave Christmas alone.”

‘Unveiling the Myer Christmas window? Real? And besides, if you do this, you won’t convince anyone of your case. I just think about the kids, the families who are loving this excitement of the unveiling,” she told Sunrise on Friday.

‘The Myer Christmas window tradition looks like it’s going to be spoiled. I’m also concerned, Nat, about the other events families are celebrating around Christmas this year.

“Look, Melburnians and Australians have had a tough year. I just hope that the state and federal governments do everything they can to ensure that families can celebrate Christmas in peace.”

Famous unveiling of Myer’s Christmas window display at Melbourne’s CBD store will not go ahead (families are pictured at the iconic event in 2013)

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.’

It will be only the second time in its almost 70-year history that Myer’s iconic unveiling has been cancelled, after the event was canceled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.

Jewish leaders have also condemned the protesters’ actions.

“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.”

Victoria Police said they had repeatedly asked the group not to protest in the Christmas window displays, but they were unwilling to cooperate.

“While we always respect people’s right to protest peacefully, we are clear that this must be done without impact on the wider community,” a police spokesperson said.