In a recent turn of events, tension escalated at the Sydney Opera House as a group of protesters expressed their anger over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The incident, marred by controversial chants, occurred after hardline Muslim leaders in Australia made provocative statements on social media.
The shocking footage from Monday evening shows masked pro-Palestinian activists using offensive slogans, including ‘Gas The Jews’ and ‘F*** The Jews,’ on the forecourt of the iconic global landmark. Their gathering was meant to express solidarity with the Palestinian cause and condemn Israel’s actions in response to a significant Hamas attack that resulted in numerous casualties in Gaza.
Adding to the volatile atmosphere were the sails of the Opera House being illuminated in the blue and white colors of Israel’s flag, meant as a gesture of support for the Jewish state. This symbolic gesture further fueled the demonstrators’ emotions.
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It is important to note that these protesters were spurred into action by the incendiary messages propagated by certain Muslim leaders in Australia. One such figure, Sydney-based Mohamed Shaar, also known as Abu Hamzu, referred to opponents as ‘Zionist pigs’ mere hours before the rally began. In his social media posts, he called for the destruction of Israeli settlers and Zionists, emphasizing the oppression he believed was occurring.
Another preacher, Abdulghani Albaf, urged his followers to ‘destroy their enemies’ just minutes before the rally commenced. In his posts, he invoked religious sentiments, calling for the humiliation of polytheism and polytheists while expressing disdain for other religions.
The Palestine Action Group, which organized the rally, conveyed a message that ‘Resistance is justified when Palestine is occupied.’ Despite their intentions, the event attracted some individuals who wore intimidating black face masks and carried flags reminiscent of ISIS, featuring Arabic script. These flags bore the Islamic shahada, affirming the Muslim faith in Allah and the Prophet Muhammad.
Shortly before the protest began, the Lebanese Muslim Association, based at Sydney’s Lakemba Mosque, criticized NSW Premier Chris Minns for illuminating the Opera House sails in Israel’s honor. Their statement highlighted the loss of lives on both sides of the conflict but emphasized the higher Palestinian casualties.
It’s important to note that the Palestine Action Group distanced themselves from the offensive chants at the Opera House, attributing them to a small group of approximately 20 individuals. They swiftly condemned these individuals and asked them to leave. The organizers reiterated their stance against Zionism and the Israeli government’s actions while emphasizing their commitment to an anti-racist and anti-colonial movement.
The incident at the Sydney Opera House serves as a stark reminder of the challenges surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continues to evoke strong emotions and opinions from various groups worldwide.
