Festival of hate
"Stalls and artists were left unchecked and free to spew their hate, individuals were harassed and Jewish businesses vandalised," says Jason Steinberg.
The Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, held from December 27 to January 1, was turned into a hotbed of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, with some attendees describing the event as “heartless” and “inappropriate”.
Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies (QJBD) president Jason Steinberg said Jewish and non-Jewish attendees were met by anti-Israel speeches, chants and signs calling for a boycott of Israeli vendors at the festival.
“Stalls and artists were left unchecked and free to spew their hate, individuals were harassed and Jewish businesses vandalised,” he said.
“We’ve had more than 20 members of the community, many of them long-time attendees at the event, say how distressed they were at the festival. What is usually a wonderful event on the Queensland cultural calendar was overrun by pro-
Palestinian/anti-Israel activists that instilled fear.”
Mayan, an Israeli travelling in Australia who volunteered at the event, said one performer was singing “Free Free Palestine” and made no mention of the hostages.
“I didn’t understand how can this take place in a music festival. It felt like everyone there who was in the crowd dancing was turned against me,” she said.
A non-Jewish attendee, Imogene, said she was disappointed to see such insensitivity towards the large Israeli and Jewish community who have supported the festival for many years.
“People even put ‘Free Palestine’ stickers on Israeli food trucks and signs,” she said. “Musicians and artists praying for the people in Gaza with no remorse or prayers towards Israelis who are sitting right in front of them – absolutely heartbreaking.”
Last month the QJBD wrote to Woodford organisers raising concerns about antisemitic behaviour of one of the festival speakers, Jonathan Sriranganathan.
Steinberg said organisers had done nothing to prevent antisemitism raging during the festival or ensure respect to attendees.
“The organisers of the Woodford Festival should issue an apology to all Jewish and Israeli attendees, and ensure their next event is welcoming for everyone, including Jews,” he said.
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