Protests & Rallies in Support of Palestine
Why people are marching — and why attempts to smear them are failing
Millions across Australia and the world are protesting because they refuse to accept the destruction of an entire people. These rallies are diverse, multifaith, and grounded in human rights — not hate. Recent political attacks on peaceful protest only strengthen public resolve. Jewish participation is growing, sending a powerful message: standing with Palestinians is a deeply Jewish commitment to justice and dignity.
Scroll down to see some recent articles, posts and media releases that cover protests/rallies.
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New Victorian Protest Laws Still Threaten Democracy
November 12, 2025 The Jewish Council of Australia welcomes the decision of the Victorian Government to step back from the harshest versions of its proposed anti-protest laws, including a ban on face coverings at protests. This is a partial victory for civil society, and for the more than 1,000 Australian Jews who signed our petition…
Max Kaiser quoted on SBS about the protest law review in light of the recent neo-Nazi rally
Executive Officer Max Kaiser recently spoke to SBS News for a piece titled “Police authorisation of Sydney neo-Nazi demonstration sparks calls for protest law review”. Below is an excerpt of his comments quoted in the piece: Rather than giving police more power, the Jewish Council calls for united action to combat the far-right and root…
Antony Loewenstein speaks to the ABC about Germany’s Gaza protest crackdowns
Advisory Committee Antony Loewenstein recently spoke to the ABC’s David Marr for a story titled “What’s behind Germany’s Gaza protest crackdowns?”. Below is the description of the episode: In a new documentary for Al Jazeera, Jewish-Australian journalist Antony Loewenstein return to his ancestral home, Germany, to investigate how the country’s impulse never to repeat the…
Dr Na’ama Carlin speaks to SBS Hebrew about participating in March for Humanity
Executive Member Dr Na’ama Carlin recently spoke to SBS Hebrew about her reasons for participating in March for Humanity, her encounters with other protests and her thoughts on inter-community dialogue. Click here to listen to the segment or read the transcript. (Both are in Hebrew.)
Media Release: Jewish Council backs march across Sydney Harbour Bridge
Tens of thousands of people will march across Sydney Harbour Bridge tomorrow afternoon in the momentous March for Humanity – a mass call to save Gaza. Today, the Supreme Court of NSW declined an application by NSW Police to block the march. The people of Gaza are experiencing an escalating genocide. Israel, emboldened by its…
Jewish Council petition against Victoria’s proposed anti-protest laws covered in The Guardian
A petition organised by the Jewish Council against Victoria’s proposed anti-protest laws was recently covered by The Guardian. An excerpt from the petition quoted in the story: We call on you to stop exploiting antisemitic incidents experienced by our communities, including the horrific arson attack on East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, and the firebombing of Adass…
Ohad Kozminsky speaks to SMH: “Melbourne grapples with antisemitism and the blaming of weekly pro-Palestine protests”
Executive Member Ohad Kozminsky recently spoke to SMH for a story titled Melbourne grapples with antisemitism and the blaming of weekly pro-Palestine protests. An excerpt from his comments: [The protests] are important for demonstrating to the broader public that it is essential we keep talking about Israel’s genocide Click here to read the full story…
Media Release: Jewish Council warns against the Victorian government weaponising act of antisemitism to stifle legitimate protest
The Jewish Council of Australia warns against increasingly reckless responses by government and media to recent events in Melbourne, including calls to expand police powers. The arson attack on East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation was a vile and heartbreaking act of antisemitism. The Council stands firmly with the congregation, many of whom are friends and family…
Sarah Schwartz speaks to ABC Mornings about ensuring that people can protest
Sarah Schwartz recently spoke to ABC Mornings about the recent protests and the right to protest. Click here to listen to an excerpt from ABC Melbourne’s Facebook page.
Executive Member Ohad Kozminsky speaks to SBS about the proposed changes to protest laws in Victoria
Executive Member Ohad Kozminsky recently spoke to SBS about the proposed changes to protest laws in Victoria. From the episode’s description on the SBS website: “Being a law-abiding protester in Australia has become more difficult year-on-year with experts fearing the democratic right is slowly being chipped away. Over the past two decades, at least 49…
Solidarity and the right to protest: student encampments for Gaza
The Jewish Council’s Dr Liz Strakosch is on this upcoming panel, which discusses the global phenomenon of student solidarity encampments for Gaza. Thursday 12 September, 6pm, Sydney. Click here for more info or to book tickets.
Universities must end disciplinary measures against anti-war students
[Image credit] The Jewish Council of Australia is concerned that students across Australia, including at Deakin University, Melbourne University, Monash University and La Trobe University, have been sent misconduct notices for their involvement in anti-war protests. Israel has killed more than 37,000 Palestinians in Gaza in the last 9 months. Evidence continues to come to…
