Indigenous leaders unite to rally against anti-Semitism
Indigenous Australians gathered for a rally against anti-semitism in Melbourne, with organiser Mark Leach emphasizing that hate will not prevail.
An estimated thousands of individuals attended the Never Again Is Now (NAIN) rally outside Victoria’s Parliament House on May 19.
The rally held a minute of silence for those who lost their lives when Hamas terrorists crossed the border from Gaza into southern Israel, resulting in about 1,200 casualties and 200 hostages on Oct. 7.
Conflicting rallies have taken place worldwide following the attack, including recent pro-Palestine student protests at universities in Australia and the United States.
Mr. Leach expressed his delight at the support from Christian-Indigenous Australians for his cause, promoting the slogan, “Push back the hate, mate.”
He mentioned, “What was remarkable was the strong Indigenous presence with Indigenous speakers, dancers, and Warren Mundine delivering a superb speech.”
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He expressed, “They grasp the experience of being indigenous to the land. Therefore, Christian Indigenous communities offer strong support to Israel and the Jewish community.”
He added, “We witnessed that [on Sunday].”
Mr. Leach anticipates a large and diverse crowd at the upcoming NAIN rally in Brisbane on June 9 as people nationwide are starting to take a stand against anti-semitism.
He stated, “I believe it’s about awakening individuals, especially Christians, to the reality of the situation.”
“Once they become aware, they recognize its severity and come out to back us.”
The NAIN event coincided with clashes between pro-Palestine protestors and police just meters away from Parliament House on May 19.
Attendees of the NAIN rally often faced opposition from pro-Palestine protesters while trying to navigate the police presence near Little Bourke Street.
Some counter-protesters were detained by authorities.
“Various political and religious leaders showed love, a stark contrast to the pro-Palestinian protestors shouting hate at us from behind police lines,” Mr. Leach noted.
Senators Speak Out Against Anti-Semitism
Liberal Senator James Paterson joined the NAIN Melbourne rally, advocating for peace for all Israelis by standing firm against hate and antisemitism.
Senator Paterson assured the crowd of his willingness to stand with anyone facing anti-semitism, whether at an Australian university or in public.
“We must oppose it because history demonstrates that widespread anti-Semitism indicates an unhealthy society. It may begin with the Jews, but it never ends there.”
Senator Paterson called out pro-Palestine protestors nearby for using anti-semitic slogans and graphic banners to advance their agenda, emphasizing that such aggression has no place in Melbourne or anywhere in Australia.
Fellow Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson also addressed the crowd, suggesting that universities should involve law enforcement to handle pro-Palestinian university protests.
She remarked, “Amid the unlawful occupation of buildings, trespassing, violence, hatred, and incitement leading to disruptions in classes and chaos at Melbourne Uni, I urge the restoration of law and order for the safety of students and staff.”
The Epoch Times reached out to Free Palestine Melbourne for a statement.
Free Palestine Plans Major Nationwide Port Protests
The group, which organizes weekly rallies at State Library Victoria, cautioned supporters to be wary ahead of the rally and avoid falling for any attempt by Zionists to incite violence.
They have organized rallies on May 25 at major ports nationwide against Israeli shipping company ZIM.
The planned ports include Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin, and possibly Newcastle.
“For this national day of action, we do not intend to block or picket any ports—we want to gather large crowds at all Australian ports to unite in the call to boycott Apartheid Israel and halt the genocide in Gaza,” the group stated on Facebook.
“We urge all sections of our community and supportive organizations to join the rally. We welcome families, unions, Arab and Palestinian communities, students, and anti-Zionist Jews to participate in this massive demonstration.”
