‘Guerilla’ tactics used by Carols protester
The actions of a pro-Palestine protester who disrupted Carols by Candle light in Melbourne have been condemned by Jewish leaders who are concerned that “guerilla type tactics” will be used at New Years celebrations.
Victoria Police have arrested the 21-year-old Brunswick woman and issued her with an infringement notice for carrying a controlled weapon while a second person was moved on by police.
On Christmas Eve, children performing at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl stage were rushed to safety after several protesters carrying Palestine flags descended out of nowhere to interrupt the show.
The Channel 9 cameras were filming hosts David Campbell and Sarah Abo when the incident unfolded during the live broadcast.
The protest was an attempt to “destroy our sense of security” according to Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich.
“These guerilla type tactics are spiralling out of control and I’m sure that a most Victorians would have been rattled and shocked to the core to see these tactics of intimidation unfolding in front of children and parents,” he said.
“Carols by Candlelight was once a safe place for families to celebrate the beauty Christmas , but no more, as this tornado of prejudice is destroying our sense of security.”
The crowd was heard applauding as the kids returned to the stage and the show continued.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin condemned the disruption on Sunday.
“You can always count on anti-Israel extremists to make everything about them and to appall decent, ordinary people,” Mr Ryvchin said.
“The chorus of boos tells them loud and clear they’re not wanted.”
Another two protesters were denied entry to the event according to a statement from Victoria Police.
One protester even tried to grab the microphone from Mr Campbell, managing to say “while you’re carolling, kids are dying in Gaza” before the audio was cut.
Mr Campbell interrupted his scripted dialogue when he realised the commotion on stage wasn’t part of the show.
“Hang on one second,” he said.
“Nice and easy.”
The singer tried to keep the crowd calm and informed as security guards removed the protesters from the stage.
“It’s all good, thank you everybody, everyone’s allowed to have their moment,” Mr Campbell said.
“The kids are safe, and they’re going to come back out.
“It’s important to come together on a night like this too when there’s a lot of pain out there and a lot of people are experiencing it.”
His co-host thanked the crew for their quick action in removing the protesters safely.
“It is the climate, we are in Melbourne,” Ms Abo said.
“Incredible work here by the team as well.”
