Melbourne pro-Palestine protestors disrupt Myer Christmas window tradition
A small group of pro-Palestine protestors have disrupted a beloved Christmas tradition in Melbourne after their threats to ruin the event prompted its grand opening to be scaled back.
About 10 activists gatecrashed the opening of the Myer Christmas windows on Sunday morning, chanting “bombs are dropping, while you’re shopping” as families gathered for the annual festive season event.
Myer cancelled its traditional grand opening after pro-Palestine supporters promised to crash Sunday’s launch.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.It went ahead with a largely scaled-back unveiling as Santa and a few staff members pulled down the curtain on the Australia Zoo themed windows at 7.30am on Sunday.
One protestor was dressed as a police officer, wearing clown make up, and holding a sign that read “you look stupid staring at windows when kids are being murdered”.
Another sign said “Morons for Palestine” – an apparent reference to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen’s comments earlier this week criticising the protestors.
Questioned on Friday about whether Victoria should introduce a NSW-style permit system for protests, Ms Allan said: “Do we really think the same sort of morons who want to disrupt a beautiful Christmas tradition for families is going to apply for a permit?”
The protest group is separate from the one that has rallied through Melbourne every Sunday since October 7, 2023.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network organises the weekly march through the city and is diverting its demonstration on Sunday away from Myer.
At least 43,000 Gazans have been killed since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel ignited a new conflict in the region.
Oxfam says Palestinians are being starved as a military tactic, and aid agencies estimate 96 per cent of Gazans face high levels of food shortages.
The protest came just days after the Federal Government shifted its position to vote in favour of a draft UN resolution recognising the “permanent sovereignty” of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
