Brisbane Jews abused for celebrating Shavuot

The Wickham pub in Brisbane is known to be a safe space for the LGBTQI+ community, but Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Jason Steinberg said the irony is that it was turned into an unsafe space for Jews by a mob of pro-Palestinian protestors.

Over 100 members of Queensland’s Jewish community booked the venue for a private function to celebrate Shavuot on Saturday night. What was supposed to be a fun dance event was gatecrashed by protesters, who yelled at and abused members of the Jewish community by calling them “baby killers” and screaming out “all Zionists are terrorists”.

“That’s racism and incitement. It was horrific,” Steinberg told The AJN.

“It’s so ironic that this is an LGBTQI+ pub, that this is a safe space. Anyone can research and understand the support the LGBTQI+ community have living in Israel – they really need to look at that because it is a safe space for that part of the community in Israel.

“And the irony is that they wanted this venue not to be safe for Jews.”

Steinberg said the owners of the establishment had internal pressure to cancel the event and he appreciates that they refused to do so. He also said it has been “heartwarming” to receive support from a number of political leaders, including Queensland Premier David Crisafulli who said, “I want multicultural groups to be able to celebrate what makes them special, and to be able to be a part of the state.”

Queensland LNP Senator and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Paul Scarr called the protest deeply troubling and condemned the mob for their actions.

“I reached out to members of the Queensland Jewish community. I heard of the fear and intimidation that was felt by members of the community on Saturday night,” said Scarr.

“There is no excuse to engage in protest actions which intimidate and instil fear. It is shameful. It is unacceptable. There is no excuse to target a community on the basis of ethnicity, religion, race, country of origin or any other such attribute. It is anathema to our Australian values and way of life.”

But former Greens councillor Jonathan Sriranganathan live-streamed the protest and praised the protesters who showed “their opposition to Zionism on the streets of Brisbane”.

“They’re not causing any real disruption; they’re just out here voicing their opposition to Zionism and The Wickham’s decision,” said Sriranganathan.

Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said while the Greens seem “determined to divide our city, let’s come together to unite it”.

“Imagine heading to the pub for a party and being ambushed just because of your faith and culture,” said Schrinner.

“Brisbane should be a place where everyone feels safe, welcomed and respected – no matter who they are, where they come from, or what they believe. Hate has absolutely no place here and we must all unite to say ‘no’.”

The Wickham was approached for comment by The AJN.