Thousands show support for Israel in Melbourne
Over 5,000 people gathered - including the Victorian Premier and Opposition Leader - in Caulfield Park on Friday to stand in solidarity with Israel.
A highly charged Israel solidarity rally at Caulfield Park in Melbourne last Friday attracted a crowd of around 5,000.
The turnout was good despite the rainy conditions and calls from a former Hamas leader for Friday to be a “Day of Jihad”.
The Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, and Opposition Leader, John Pesutto, Federal Attorney General Mark Dreyfus representing the Prime Minister and Senator James Paterson on behalf of Liberal Leader Peter Dutton addressed the rally, organised by Zionism Victoria (ZV) and Habayit on behalf of all the principal Jewish community organisations.
Allan said she was aware that the Jewish community continues to face hate.
“We will stand with you every day our government our society does not tolerate racism and will never tolerate antisemitism. My door remains open to you and your leaders and I am prepared to offer you any support you need to stay safe on our streets, in your schools and in your homes,” she told the rally.
Opposition leader John Pesutto said, “I look at the sea of people here today from all walks of life – not just the proud Jewish community here, but everyone [from] different religions and faiths, different racial and ethnic backgrounds – all joining with you, because at the end of the day my dear friends, we all share that common bond of humanity and what happens to you happens to me; and what matters to you, matters to me”.
The rally also heard from a member of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Keren Lewinsohn, who described some of the horrific things her friends had endured.
“My nephew Daniel – his best friend was kidnapped and then was forced to walk from house to house at gunpoint to his head, calling people to come out of the bomb shelter. When they came out, they were shot in front of his face all while this is filmed live on social media,” she shared.
ZV Executive Director Zeddy Lawrence said there were some initial issues with the audio reaching those at the back of the crowd, but that was soon sorted, and the rally was both emotional and electrifying.
“We were truly heartened by the condemnation of the terror atrocities from the Premier, echoed by all the politicians who took to the stage. And we wept as those who were personally impacted by last weekend’s brutal attacks shared their stories,” he reflected.
Along with federal and state politicians from various parties, leaders of other multicultural and religious communities were represented, including Hindu, Catholic, Buddhist, Anglican, Iranians and leaders from the Ethnic Communities Council.
CSG, together with a large contingent of Victoria Police, ensured the rally was kept safe, and those attending shule services afterwards were provided with extra security.
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