By Jim Hayes
When more than one hundred thousand marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge yesterday (Sunday 3 August) they made history. This was the biggest turnout Sydney has ever experienced, and they came to demand the Australian government acts to oppose Israel’s Gaza holocaust, impose sanctions on that country, and recognise a Palestinian state.
There was a huge turnout in Melbourne as well, and this was replicated in other cities and regional centres across Australia. It adds to the continuous action by hundreds of thousands of Australians on this matter for almost two years. The pro=Israel have been eerily quiet lately. They know they have lost the battle for public opinion.
Thousands march across Sydney Harbour Bridge in one of biggest turnout in city’s history
Video from The Guardian
Creating confusion by accusing anyone who questioned Israel’s actions of being anti-Semitic partially worked for some time. No longer. Australia has seen through the lie. Cowering politicians and those in the pocket of the Zionist lobby have played this tune, targeting journalists, universities, anyone who speaks out. The NSW government played the game by trying to ban the march across the Bridge. This backfired. The attempt provided national publicity, alerted Australia, and ensured a big turnout on the day.
The fact the judge Belinda Rigg would not support the ban, is significant. This is testament to the strength of public opinion, and it is widely recognised that this has turned even more solidly towards the suffering Palestinian population. Australia wants the Albanese government to act, to move past platitudes and walk the walk to really standing up against the worst human rights abuse in our time.
Note has been taken of the attendance of WikiLeaks founder Jilian Assange and his family. WikiLeaks played a significant role in the exposure of the mistreatment of Palestinians by the Israeli state and the corruption within it. Assange is himself a victim of state mistreatment.
WikiLeaks Founder Julien Assange and family Join huge pro-Palestinian March In Sydney
Video from Forbes Breaking News
People all over the world, including Australia have not only been horrified by images of starving children, and the gunning down of starving people lining up for food. They have been moved by a people showing dignity, resilience, and refusal to surrender and leave their home.
This weekend, delegates at the Victorian conference of the Labor Party voted overwhelmingly to0 call on the Albanese government to immediately recognise the Palestinian State, and to extend sanctions to all members of the Israeli cabinet, and an end to all direct and indirect military trade with Israel. This was backed by party branches and unions.
The motion was moved by Labor Friends of Palestine Victorian convener Oliver van Ingen, and seconded by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union assistant secretary, Tony Piccolo, who said, “The time has come for sanctions and an end to military trade – they are the only option to prevent further atrocities and work towards a long-term solution.” He added that “Apartheid is never right, no matter who the perpetrators are and the reasons they say it stands,” in reference to the nature of the Israeli state, which is founded on the oppression of a population denied the rights enjoyed by others.