Demo planned for Yom HaZikaron event
A social media account run by pro-Palestine activists at Monash University announced they will be demonstrating on campus before the event at 7pm on Monday evening.
Zionism Victoria is not being bullied into backing down on holding a Yom HaZikaron event at Monash University.
This is despite calls for the University to cancel the booking.
A social media account run by pro-Palestine activists at Monash University announced they will be demonstrating on campus before the event at 7pm on Monday evening.
Stating that “Zionists” were not welcome on campus, the post said “Despite numerous emails urging Monash not to host an event commemorating terrorists, the University has chosen silence once again. It’s time to send a powerful message … war criminals must be held accountable, and their actions deserve no sympathy”.
The university is named after Sir John Monash, the founding president of the Australian Zionist Federation, leading Zionism Victoria executive director Zeddy Lawrence to ask “If these students are so hostile to all things Zionist, how can they justify studying there?”
He said, “It is particularly disturbing after 7 October to see such centers of academic excellence become centers of academic insolence, with the demonisation of both Jewish students and the Jewish community.”
Lawrence believes it is imperative not to give in to such bullying, as that would only encourage further antisemitic activity and the ongoing descent of tertiary education into tertiary intimidation.
Zionism Victoria is liaising closely with the authorities at Monash, campus security, Victoria Police and the CSG to ensure the event runs smoothly without any incident.
Zionism Victoria president Yossi Goldfarb said, “It is ironic that these activists are engaging in civic terrorism to disrupt an event dedicated to the victims of real terrorism.”
To that end, Zionism Victoria urges all members of the community to avoid approaching the pro-Palestinian encampment and refrain from engaging with the activists.
In keeping with the spirit of Yom Hazikaron, they expect community members to behave with the dignity befitting the occasion.
CSG Victoria CEO Justin Kagan said “It’s best not to put ourselves and our community at any risk, and simply go along to this solemn event and leave without engaging with any protestors” he said.
This year’s commemoration will feature a number of candle lighters who were directly impacted by 7 October – members of the community who lost family or friends in the horrific attacks that day or in the months since.
“We will hear their stories and see the loved ones they lost on screen. This year’s commemoration will be more poignant and impactful than ever before” Lawrence said.
Tickets for Yom Hazikaron are free but registration is essential.
Yom Hazikaron: trybooking.com/CQYOR
Yom Ha’atzmaut: trybooking.com/CRCIJ
comments