Inquiry told actions of pro-Palestinian protesters in Sydney were 'appalling'
The head of a peak Jewish body has criticised the conduct of protesters at a pro-Palestinian rally organised in the wake of Hamas's attack on Israel, prompting a tense exchange at the antisemitism royal commission.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network and the Palestine Action Group were granted permission to question witnesses at a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, following criticism of the behavior displayed by protesters at a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney. On October 9, 2023, demonstrators gathered in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel, with some chants heard as "where's the Jews?" and "f*** the Jews".
The Jewish Board of Deputies president, David Ossip, described the actions of the protesters as "appalling", citing the psychological impact on the community following the attack on October 7. Police had advised the Jewish community to avoid the Sydney CBD due to safety concerns, which Ossip believed transferred control of the city to the protesters.
During cross-examination, Ossip expressed frustration with the timeline of the Hamas attacks and the Israeli military's response, stating he was focusing on matters before the Royal Commission.
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