People power reclaims Christmas as pro-Palestinian protesters call off plans to hijack 70-year Myer tradition

Plans to hijack the grand opening of the iconic Myer Christmas show have been abandoned by pro-Palestinian protesters following massive outrage from Australians.

Activist group Disrupt Wars went ‘Crash the Christmas Windows’ on Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday, with banners, flags, signs and props.

However, their plans changed after opposition from Victoria’s Prime Minister Jacinta Allan, who was furious. Myer had to cancel the annual event for families due to safety reasons.

“On November 14, Myer announced it would cancel its planned Christmas window unveiling in Melbourne after disruptions to the event were posted on social media,” organizer Amy Settal said in a statement.

“The planned ‘Crash the Christmas Windows’ protest was organized by an anti-war activist and shared on social media by Disrupt Wars.

“Myer’s ‘share the joy’ campaign is insulting given the absolute devastation children in Palestine are currently experiencing. Celebrating overconsumption while the historic birthplace of Jesus is being bombed is abhorrent.

“This protest would always be peaceful and non-violent. The intention was to interrupt the media spectacle and economic gain that Myer sought.

“The children who came to see Myer’s Christmas windows were never targeted because children are not targets. In light of Myer’s decision to cancel their window reveal event, planned disruptions will not go ahead.”

Aussies have rejected plans by ‘pathetic’ pro-Palestinian activists to hijack the festive opening of Myer’s Christmas display this year (Photo: The 2020 Christmas display)

Protesters march during a pro-Palestinian rally in Melbourne in October

The backflip comes after Ms Allan unleashed pro-Palestinian protesters over their ‘ugly’ plans to ruin Christmas traditions.

“Blocking Christmas windows will not change anything in the Middle East,” Ms Allan told ABC Radio Melbourne on Friday.

“This is a very small group of people who choose to politicize Christmas, to politicize a beautiful event.”

Aussies shared Ms Allan’s outrage in angry social media posts.

‘Disrupt war’ protesters want to force their way into families and children attending Myer’s Christmas window displays on Sunday. You can’t get dumber and sicker than that,” one person wrote.

‘Why would protesters want to spoil the Myer Christmas Window?’ When little children would look forward to that? What do they achieve, can’t they let them enjoy one Sunday?’ said a second.

Melbourne Mayor Nick Reece said he hoped protesters would realize they had made a mistake and urged them to change their plans.

“If anything good can come from this conversation it is that the protesters realize this is a very stupid thing to do and decide to do something different this weekend rather than disrupt Melbourne’s tradition,” he said. ABC radio.

Famous unveiling of Myer’s Christmas window display at Melbourne’s CBD store will not go ahead (families are pictured at the iconic event in 2013)

Liberal MP Sussan Ley ordered the group to “leave Christmas alone.”

‘Unveiling the Myer Christmas window? Real? And besides, if you do this, you won’t convince anyone of your case. I just think about the kids, the families who are loving this excitement of the unveiling,” she told Sunrise on Friday.

‘The Myer Christmas window tradition looks like it’s going to be spoiled. I’m also concerned, Nat, about the other events families are celebrating around Christmas this year.

“Look, Melburnians and Australians have had a tough year. I just hope that the state and federal governments do everything they can to ensure that families can celebrate Christmas in peace.”

Jewish leaders have also condemned the actions of protesters.

“Is nothing sacred anymore?” community leader and anti-defamation chairman Dr. Dvir Abramovich told the Herald Sun.

“This is not about freedom of speech – it is a toxic hijacking of a family-friendly tradition that has no place in any community.

“Melbourne’s Christmas window displays are about peace, unity and Christmas magic, not about spreading discord and confrontation.

“We cannot allow the spirit of Christmas to be exploited as a vehicle for hatred or to spread anger and misinformation.”

Victoria Police previously said it had repeatedly asked the group not to protest in the Christmas window displays, but they were unwilling to cooperate.

“While we always respect people’s right to protest peacefully, we are clear that this must be done without impact on the wider community,” a police spokesperson said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Myer to see if it will reinstate the much-loved Christmas tradition following the canceled protest.