In a shocking display of anti-Semitism, approximately 1,000 protesters gathered outside the iconic Sydney Opera House on a Monday night.
The protest was organized in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated into war just three days prior. The crowd, waving Palestinian flags and lighting flares, was a sight that will be etched in the minds of many for years to come.
The protest took a dark turn when a small group within the crowd began chanting “Gas the Jews,” a horrifying echo of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.
This reprehensible act quickly gained attention, with footage of the incident spreading across social media platforms like wildfire.
Video: A crowd at the steps of the Sydney Opera House chants "gas the Jews" and "f*ck the Jews" on October 9. pic.twitter.com/uPNLuaIgcv
— Gabriel Noronha (@GLNoronha) October 9, 2023
The organizers of the protest, Palestine Action Group Sydney, were quick to distance themselves from these anti-Semitic chants.
They described the protest as “peaceful” and attributed the offensive chants to a “tiny fringe” of attendees. According to them, the chant lasted less than a minute and was not a recurring theme throughout the protest.
The organizers also stated that those responsible for the chants were swiftly condemned and asked to leave the protest.
Long-standing Palestinian organizers, activists, and elders from the Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities who were present at the protest expressed their disgust and deplored the action.
However, it is important to note such incidents of hate speech can have far-reaching implications. They not only tarnish the image of peaceful protests, but also fuel the flames of hatred and division.
It is crucial that organizers of such events take stringent measures to prevent the occurrence of such incidents in the future.
UNCUT VERSION – SHOCKING
"Gas the Jews' on the steps of the Sydney Opera House pic.twitter.com/kLv9QMex65
— Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA) October 9, 2023
The protest occurred amidst a backdrop of escalating violence in the Middle East. The war between Israel and Hamas had already claimed the lives of around 1,000 Israelis and injured another 2,800.
The victims included entire families, the elderly, and attendees of a music festival in the Negev.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated hatred and prejudice that still exists in our society. It underscores the urgent need for dialogue, understanding, and respect for all communities.
We must stand united against all forms of bigotry and work towards fostering an environment of peace and mutual respect.
