'Gas the Jews': Anti-Israel rallies break out following Hamas attack

By Samantha Kamman, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, October 12, 2023

Sydney, Australia

As The Daily Mail reported Monday, nearly 2,000 people holding Palestinian flags gathered near the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and many in the crowd chanted "Gas the Jews," "F— the Jews," and "Allahu Akbar."

Demonstrators threw flares and projectiles at the police, and Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke confirmed to the outlet that authorities are examining the footage to determine who threw the flares.

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Three people attempting to display the Israeli flag faced anti-Semitic mobs, and one was arrested by police for his safety, with Cooke confirming that the individual was later released. 

SHOCKING scenes from a pro-Hamas protest in front of the Sydney Opera House in Australia, with vile chants like “gas the Jews”. Similar scenes in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands - Why are authorities in the West allowing this to happen in their countries!?#Israelpic.twitter.com/NJAR0wGWbN

— Reasoned (@ReasonedUK) October 10, 2023

Robert Gregory, CEO of the Australian Jewish Association, criticized the Australian authorities for telling Jews to stay away from the Opera House instead of the demonstrators. 

"Think about that," he said. "Imagine if there were mobs hunting blacks or gays in Sydney's CBD. "Imagine if the police warned blacks or gays not to come into Sydney's CBD."

Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, the state home to Sydney, issued a statement Wednesday apologizing to the Jewish community after the pro-Palestinian protest included a "gas the Jews" chant. 

"I want to apologize to [the Jewish community] specifically on behalf of the government and myself, as the premier of New South Wales," Minns said, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. "I really want to ensure that the Jewish community in New South Wales feel that they can have full access to this city, that they can enjoy its life, that they can be part of its culture, that they can commemorate together during solemn occasions."