Approximately 150 people gathered on Inkerman Street around 6 p.m. in response to a planned pro-Palestine protest that was cancelled at the last minute over safety concerns.
Victoria Police reported that a 39-year-old man from Brunswick East was detained for breaching the peace and failing to comply with a police directive to move on. He has been bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on Mar. 14.
The demonstration centred on a talk organised by the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, which was supposed to include former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked.
Her visa to Australia was reportedly rejected, further fuelling the controversy.
Despite the cancellation of the pro-Palestine protest, police maintained a significant presence around the synagogue, where supporters waved Israeli flags.
Specialist officers worked to keep the groups separated, ensuring the protest did not escalate into violence. Pro-Palestine organisers stated on social media that the demonstration was cancelled due to alleged threats from pro-Israel groups.
Rising Tensions Reflect Broader Polarisation
The event follows a series of recent incidents across the country spurred by the Israel-Hamas War.
Just earlier this month, the department store Myer cancelled its traditional Christmas window display after the threat of protests from students calling for a free Palestine.
State Labor Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the threat as “moronic.”
“I am furious that a small group of people have chosen to politicise a beautiful event for children. I’m just as mad at all the others who have quietly stoked this division and egged them on,” she posted on X.
The pro-Palestine event was later cancelled.
While in Sydney, a man was arrested at the airport after being accused of engaging in an antisemitic vandalism spree in the eastern suburbs including lighting one car on fire.
Political leaders and organisations have called for calm as incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia surge.
Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy acknowledged these challenges on campuses, which have been the site of numerous pro-Palestinian protests for months.
Meanwhile, the Islamophobia Register Australia reported a 39-fold increase in Islamophobic incidents on university grounds since Oct. 7.
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess noted that politically motivated violence had become a significant security concern in Australia.
He highlighted an increase in uncivil discourse and violent protest, spurred initially by COVID-19 restrictions and, more recently, by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
AAP has contributed to this article.