Melbourne Anti-Israel Rally Cancelled Amid Backlash, Organizers Plan New Parliament “Speak-Out”
Organisers of a planned anti-Israel rally in Melbourne’s CBD have cancelled the event following intense backlash from political leaders, community representatives and business groups, but are preparing a smaller “speak-out” at Victoria’s Parliament early next week.
Rally cancelled after backlash
A rally planned for Saturday at the State Library by fringe group Anti-Zionism Australia has been scrapped after internal discussions within the organisation. The decision follows strong criticism over the timing of the event, which was scheduled for the same weekend that funerals are being held for victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the planned protest “deeply inappropriate” and warned that anyone seeking to inflame hatred or division would be “dealt with by police”.
New “speak-out” planned
Despite cancelling the CBD rally, Anti-Zionism Australia has announced it will instead hold a “speak-out” on Monday on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament. The organisers say the event will focus on opposing the federal government’s proposed adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and the recommendations of Australia’s antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal.
Segal’s report calls for tougher hate speech and hate crime laws, including measures targeting violent or intimidating protest activity, stricter screening of foreign nationals for antisemitic views, and potential withdrawal of funding from institutions that fail to address antisemitism.
Community and business concerns
Jewish community leaders have condemned the cancelled rally, arguing that ongoing weekly protests are normalising intimidation and dehumanisation. Melbourne Rabbi Daniel Rabin accused the organisers of being “morally bankrupt” and said the timing of the planned event showed a lack of respect for Jewish victims and their families.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also urged the Allan government to consider urgent steps to prevent protests that could inflame tensions, warning of risks to public safety, social cohesion and economic activity during one of the busiest trading periods in the CBD.
Police powers and public safety
Victoria Police have declared Melbourne’s CBD a designated area over the Christmas and New Year period, granting officers expanded powers to stop and search individuals, including protesters. Although Saturday’s rally has been cancelled, police have confirmed they will maintain a visible presence at other demonstrations planned for the weekend and emphasise that public safety remains their top priority.
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