Hundreds gathered in Sydney’s Town Hall on Monday to demonstrate support for Palestine, chanting slogans including “globalise the intifada” – a phrase the New South Wales premier has indicated he intends to ban. The rally took place on the eve of a vote expected on Tuesday regarding a new bill that could prevent public rallies for up to three months following terror attacks.
Protest Amidst Proposed Restrictions
Approximately 300 people attended the rally, observing a minute’s silence for the victims of the Bondi shooting. The crowd then chanted “globalise the intifada” for roughly 30 seconds, linking the phrase to the Indigenous name for inner Sydney, Gadigal. This demonstration occurred despite fears among some attendees that it may be among the last legally permitted for months.
Human rights lawyer Sara Saleh, of Palestinian heritage, addressed the crowd, condemning the Bondi shooting and stating she did not want to see any more children die, referencing 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim. She then stated her intention to continue saying, “Globalise the intifada, free Palestine.”
Rally organiser Adam Adelour explained that “intifada” is an Arabic word meaning uprising, revolution, or shaking-off, and argued that “If there is more intifada against genocide, there will be less genocide.”
Premier’s Response and Concerns Over Free Speech
NSW Premier Chris Minns has warned that chanting “globalise the intifada” could breach state law and has stated his intention to ban the phrase in 2026, claiming it encourages hate and violent acts. He stated, “We have to do everything we can to ensure that words that are said at a rally are not used by somebody at a later point for violent retribution on city streets.”
Attendees responded to the Premier’s stance by holding banners explaining the meaning of “intifada” and, in one instance, directly challenging police with the chant, asking to be arrested. At least 13 police officers were present, but only one arrest was made – of an individual shouting at protesters.
Allon Uhlmann, a member of the group Jews against the occupation ‘48’, argued that the Premier’s claims vilify Jewish Australians who have participated in pro-Palestine marches. He stated, “We don’t want to be made human shields for Israel’s genocide and your complicity in it.”
Potential Next Steps
The New South Wales government is expected to vote on the proposed bill on Tuesday, with support from the Liberal party. If passed, the legislation could prevent rallies for up to three months. It is possible that further protests will occur before the bill takes effect, and legal challenges to the legislation could be considered. The government has already indicated it will enforce the ban beginning in 2026. A separate anti-immigration protest, addressed by Barnaby Joyce, already breached requests from Minns and police not to rally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “intifada”?
According to rally organiser Adam Adelour, “intifada” is an Arabic word meaning uprising, revolution, or shaking-off. The term has historically described Palestinian uprisings against Israel, occurring from 1987 to 1993 and again from 2000 to around 2005.
Why is the NSW Premier seeking to ban the phrase “globalise the intifada”?
Chris Minns, the NSW premier, has warned that chanting “globalise the intifada” may breach state law and has stated his intention to ban the phrase, claiming it encourages hate and violent acts, such as the Bondi shooting.
What happened at Monday’s rally?
Around 300 people gathered at Sydney’s Town Hall to support Palestine, observing a minute’s silence for the Bondi shooting victims and chanting slogans, including “globalise the intifada.” Speakers addressed the crowd, and attendees displayed signs explaining the meaning of “intifada.”
What role do you believe public demonstrations play in a democratic society, and how should governments balance security concerns with the right to protest?
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