UPDATE: A disturbing neo-Nazi rally erupted outside NSW Parliament on Saturday morning, igniting widespread condemnation from Jewish leaders and officials. The protest, organized by members of the National Social Network, lasted just seven minutes but was marked by alarming rhetoric against the Jewish community.
Authorities confirmed that the protest, approved by the NSW Police, featured chants and banners promoting hateful ideologies, including a large sign reading “Abolish the Jewish Lobby.” Shocking footage revealed protesters invoking a Hitler slogan, raising urgent questions about public safety and hate speech laws.
NSW Premier Chris Minns called the rally “shameful,” stating, “If we had our time again, that rally wouldn’t have taken place.” He emphasized the need for a swift review of existing laws to prevent such displays of hate from occurring in the future. Minns described the situation as “deeply concerning” and vowed to send a clear message that racism will not be tolerated in Australia.
The NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon admitted to a “break down in communication” regarding the protest, revealing that the government had not been adequately briefed on the approval process, despite a Form 1 application submitted on October 28. “They indicated that approximately 50 people would be attending that protest,” Lanyon stated. He expressed personal regret over the oversight, which has heightened scrutiny of police protocols in handling hate groups.
In response to the rally, David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, urged the community to confront the hate openly. “Evil left unconfronted becomes evil that is normalized,” he warned, calling for a thorough examination of potential legal violations during the protest.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO, Alex Ryvchin, noted that conspiracy theories about “Jewish control of politics” are becoming alarmingly prevalent. He stressed the need for law enforcement to have the necessary tools to combat such extremist ideologies effectively.
Local MPs also condemned the rally. Kellie Sloane MP stated on social media, “Time to test our new incitement to hatred laws. These thugs should be locked up.” Similarly, Allegra Spender called the demonstration appalling, emphasizing that it poses a threat not only to the Jewish community but to the multicultural fabric of NSW.
In the wake of the rally, Jillian Segal, Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, pledged to discuss with Minns the urgent need for continued efforts against intolerance. “The antisemitism displayed outside the NSW parliament was despicable,” she stated, highlighting the importance of building social cohesion across communities.
The situation is still developing as police conduct an investigation to ascertain whether any laws were broken during the rally. The fallout from this event may lead to significant changes in how hate speech is addressed in Australia, prompting citizens to rally against extremism and stand in solidarity for a diverse and inclusive society.
This urgent incident underscores a critical moment for Australian society, with calls for action resonating across various sectors. As communities unite against hate, the implications of this protest will likely spark widespread discussions about the balance between free speech and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
