A disgusting chant was hurled at Jewish community members and supporters during an anti-semitism rally.
Grassroots group Lions of Zion hosted a demonstration in Melbourne CBD on Sunday against a wave of anti-Semitic attacks across major cities, including a synagogue in Sydney which was vandalised with a large red Swastika and words ‘Hitler on top’.
At the same time, a procession of pro-Palestine demonstrators were parading through the CBD from the State Library of Victoria.
Footage showed the moment the two groups clashed with the pro-Palestine group heard yelling, ‘Go back to Germany’.
Victoria Police officers lined the streets of the CBD as the pro-Palestine rally marched through and managed to keep them separated from Israel supporters.
Several commenters questioned why those yelling ‘go back to Germany’ weren’t charged by police.
‘Why are they not arrested for disorderly conduct, inciting violence,’ one wrote.
‘S**t’s getting a bit too real now. I’m done with this,’ another said.
Pro-Palestine demonstrators clashed with anti-semitism protesters in Melbourne on Sunday
Large gatherings in support of either Palestine or Israel have become common in large cities since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, triggered by Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
It’s understood the death toll for the conflict has passed 45,000 with most victims being Palestinians civilians.
However, Australia Jewish Association Chief Executive Officer Robert Gregory claimed increased violence against Jewish communities has limited their ability to participate in demonstrations.
‘The streets of Melbourne CBD have been abandoned to a hate mob of anti-Israel activists for well over a year,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Many Jewish people no longer feel comfortable venturing into the CBD while these rallies take place.
‘Today a small group of Jews, organised by the newly-formed, grassroots group, Lions of Zion, decided to show that Melbourne CBD will not be closed to Jews.
Mr Gregory added the verbal attacks should be taken more seriously by Australians across the board.
‘The ugly verbal abuse directed at the Jewish people should be condemned by all,’ he said.
Police are investigating allegations pro-Palestine protesters told Lions of Zion to ‘go back to Germany’
‘Racist taunts of “go back to Germany” are intended to remind Jewish people of the Holocaust carried out by Germany and to intimidate the Jewish community.
‘It’s time for the Victorian Government to claim back the streets of Melbourne CBD from the extremists.’
Victoria Police urged anyone with information on those behind the racist attack to come forward.
‘Victoria Police had a visible presence at a protest in the CBD to ensure public safety,’ it said in a statement.
‘We are aware of a small group of people shouting anti-Semitic slurs at the demonstration.
‘Victoria Police will now make an assessment of those statements to determine if an investigation will commence.
‘Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.’
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