Tensions have erupted at Sydney’s Bondi Beach after a pro-Palestine demonstration clashed with a group of counter-protestors.
It’s reported that the former group, organised by Jews Against the Occupation, had converged on the sand of the iconic beach for a paddle-out in solidarity with Gaza in front of the Bondi Beach pavilions earlier today.
The pro-Palestine protestors were soon met by a group of counter-protestors in support of Israel, some of whom were reportedly seen waving both Australian and Israeli flags.
A tense stand-off between the two groups followed, with a heavy police presence seen as the rival protestors began shouting abuse at each other along the Bondi promenade, per The Sydney Morning Herald.
Some members of the pro-Israel group were heard calling the other protestors “inbred” and “terrorists”, and shouting at them to “go back to Lakemba”, per the SMH.
It later became physical when participants were seen throwing punches during a scuffle between the two groups as police tried to pull them apart.
SMH reports that the pro-Palestine contingent dispersed at about 11:30am.
The protests came to fruition after Jews Against the Occupation announced the event for “surfers, Bondi residents and Palestine supporters”.
“It’s really important that we mark Fathers Day for Palestinian fathers,” Michelle Berkon, an organiser from Jews Against the Occupation, told 7News.
“We are totally committed to this being a lovely family event. These people have no right to claim that Bondi is their backyard.”
The Australian Jewish Association organised a counter-demonstration in response, with the chief of the group, Robert Gregory, saying “Bondi is on edge”.
“They’ve got the whole suburb on edge, everyone’s nervous. These people are troublemakers,” Gregory told 7News.
The paddle-out was also opposed by Waverley mayor Will Nemesh, who wrote to NSW Police attempting to have it blocked.
Lead images: TikTok/X
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