Tensions ran high outside a synagogue as pro-Israel supporters gathered to counter a pro-Palestinian protest, despite the rally being cancelled.
A number of pro-Israel protesters gathered outside a popular synagogue in Melbourne on Monday evening, even after the planned pro-Palestinian protest was formally called off at 11am as organizers raised security concerns.
“This peaceful demonstration has been canceled due to Zionists’ threats against demonstrators,” organizers posted on social media.
Despite the cancellation, there was a visible police presence near the synagogue in Caulfield North, in Melbourne’s south-east, where a sea of Israeli flags far outnumbered Palestinian flags.
Specialist police surrounded a small group of pro-Palestinian supporters holding anti-Zionist signs reading ‘nothing is more anti-Semitic than Zionism’, in an attempt to keep them away from the larger pro-Israel group.
The planned demonstration was in response to a planned lecture organized by the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, attended by former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, whose visa to Australia was reportedly rejected.
Pro-Israel activists gathered outside the Caulfield Hebrew Congregation on Monday evening following reports of a pro-Palestinian protest, which was called off at 11 p.m.
Previously, Prime Minister Jacinta Allan told reporters there is “no place for hateful behavior, for hateful protesting, for people to visit places with hatred in their hearts” in this state.
‘Everyone deserves to live in this great state, free from hatred, free from slander and they also deserve the right to be who they are, to practice their faith, to believe in who they believe, and to have their identity respected she said.
Ms Allan added that it is precisely these types of demonstrations that make her government’s proposed anti-defamation laws necessary.
“It will be a series of laws aimed at strengthening what makes our state great,” she said.”
The demonstration was also condemned by 3AW Mornings presenter Tom Elliot, who described it as ‘needlessly inflammatory’.
“Nothing good will come from a pro-Gaza, free-Palestinian protest taking place outside a synagogue,” he said.
A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed police would be there to provide a “visible presence to ensure the safety of the community.”