Tension flares at protest outside a Jewish synagogue in Melbourne

Tensions ran high outside a synagogue as pro-Israel supporters gathered to counter a pro-Palestinian protest, despite the rally being cancelled.

A number of pro-Israel protesters gathered outside a popular synagogue in Melbourne on Monday evening, even after the planned pro-Palestinian protest was formally called off at 11am as organizers raised security concerns.

“This peaceful demonstration has been canceled due to Zionists’ threats against demonstrators,” organizers posted on social media.

Despite the cancellation, there was a visible police presence near the synagogue in Caulfield North, in Melbourne’s south-east, where a sea of ​​Israeli flags far outnumbered Palestinian flags.

Specialist police surrounded a small group of pro-Palestinian supporters holding anti-Zionist signs reading ‘nothing is more anti-Semitic than Zionism’ in an attempt to keep them away from the larger pro-Israel group.

However, tensions ran high and resulted in at least one arrest.

One man on Orrong Rd was cornered by pro-Israel protesters, resulting in a scuffle in which he was thrown to the ground. Herald Sun reported.

A man was arrested and escorted from the scene before being released.

Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestinian protesters clashed outside a popular synagogue in Melbourne on Monday evening

Pro-Israel activists gathered outside the Caulfield Hebrew Congregation on Monday evening after reports of a pro-Palestinian protest, which was called off at 11 p.m.

No charges had been filed as of Monday evening.

The planned demonstration was in response to a planned lecture organized by the Australia Israel and Jewish Affairs Council with the assistance of the Caulfield Hebrew Congregation and United Israel Appeal Victoria.

It would discuss ‘Israel’s challenges and opportunities in a new Middle East’ with a guest panel including former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, whose visa to Australia was reportedly rejected.

Before the planned pro-Palestinian demonstration was canceled, the Free Palestine Coalition Naarm condemned the event.

“We must let them know that their genocidal plans are not welcome on the sacred Boonwurrung lands. We will demonstrate peacefully across the street,” organizers wrote online.

“This is a protest called for by Jewish anti-Zionists, many of whom grew up in synagogues – and do not consent to our (religion) being weaponized as a tool of imperialist genocide.

“We stand for the liberation of Palestine and justice for the Palestinian people, and refuse to allow Zionist Jews to hide behind religion to avoid guilt.”

They later shared another post at 4pm on Monday announcing the cancellation of the protest.

During the demonstration, at least one person (pictured with police) was arrested after a scuffle. No charges had been filed as of Monday evening

Prime Minister Jacinta Allan previously told reporters that there is “no place in this state for hateful behavior, for hateful protesting, for people to visit places with hatred in their hearts.”

Specialist police surrounded a small group of pro-Palestinian supporters holding anti-Zionist signs

Earlier, Prime Minister Jacinta Allan told reporters that there was “no place in this state for hateful behavior, for hateful protesting, for people to visit places with hatred in their hearts.”

“Everyone deserves to live in this great state, free from hatred, free from slander,” she said.

“They also deserve the right to be who they are, to practice their faith, to believe in who they believe and to have their identity respected.”

Ms Allan added that it is precisely these types of demonstrations that make her government’s proposed anti-defamation laws necessary.

“It will be a series of laws aimed at strengthening what makes our state great,” she said.”

The demonstration was also condemned by 3AW Mornings presenter Tom Elliott, who described it as ‘needlessly inflammatory’.

“Nothing good will come from a pro-Gaza, free-Palestinian protest taking place outside a synagogue,” he said.

The planned pro-Palestinian demonstration was in response to a planned lecture on ‘Israel’s challenges and opportunities in a new Middle East’

There was a visible police presence near the synagogue in Caulfield North, in Melbourne’s south-east

Monday’s demonstration followed another violent clash in Caulfield last November

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed police would be there to provide a “visible presence to ensure the safety of the community.”

Monday’s demonstration followed another violent clash in Caulfield last November.

Pro-Palestinian protesters confronted a pro-Israeli group near Princes Park after a synagogue was evacuated.

Stones were reportedly thrown between the groups, forcing police to deploy pepper spray to separate the warring crowds.