Moore cancels ‘Globalise the Intifada’ forum

Lord Mayor Clover Moore has cancelled a controversial forum titled “Why It’s Right to Say Globalise the Intifada” scheduled for a City of Sydney venue on May 5, following weeks of mounting pressure from Jewish leaders and prominent Australians.

In a Facebook post on Monday night, Moore said she had asked the City’s CEO to withdraw the booking at the East Sydney Community and Arts Centre, citing the need to ensure public events do not contribute to hostility and fear during the first hearing block of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

“I have long supported the principles of peaceful assembly, protest and freedom of speech. However, these rights must always be balanced with a responsibility to ensure public safety and respect for all members of our diverse community,” Moore said.

The AJN understands that the event will now be held in a park near St Peters station, though this information has not been verified.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip welcomed the decision, saying it was “entirely appropriate” that the council had refused to provide a venue for an event which “endangers public safety and so grievously undermines social cohesion”.