Free Palestine Melbourne

Since the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, the world has seen a retaliation from Israel that has caused protests to erupt around the world. Much of Europe, The Americas and of course the Middle East have shown an increasingly negative reaction to the atrocities being witnessed on their screens. Even countries not commonly associated with protests such as Japan, have taken to the streets to express their dissent. In Israel itself, the streets of Tel Aviv were recently engulfed with an estimated crowd of 150,000 people, chanting slogans against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

In Melbourne / Naarm, (as of 14 July 2024), the Free Palestine Melbourne movement has just conducted its 40th consecutive week of Sunday rallies. I have been documenting these rallies consistently for 6 months now and have been amazed at the show of solidarity with the people of Palestine. I have grown to know some of these people on a first name basis, Uncle Ihab, Nour and Mo to name a few. All are admirable characters that have shown great leadership to their community and at times, incredible restraint all the while feeling they, and many of their community, are being silenced.

Some weeks the crowds have been estimated as large as 50,000 strong. More interestingly, is the diversity that these crowds hold. I have witnessed people of all genders, ages, backgrounds, races and religions gather at these protests. Most notably, members from the Jewish community. Their moral conscience has surpassed any fear of ostracism and their bravery is something I will always truly admire.
Israeli bombing has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and destroyed vast swathes of Gazan infrastructure. Thousands of people remain missing, presumed dead under the rubble. The psychological impact on survivors – including the multitude of orphans and permanently disabled – is unfathomable and will be far-reaching. Meanwhile, tensions in the occupied West Bank have exploded with hundreds being killed and thousands wounded, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Israeli authorities cite the death toll in Israel from Hamas-led attacks at about 1200, with 120 Israeli and other citizens still held hostage in Gaza, many presumed dead.

Unfortunately, by the time you’re reading this the death toll will have risen. I will have documented more rallies, met more people, heard their stories and will know their names. It is my hope that this work will show that we are all human. We all share triumphs and defeats, experience the same joys and tears. Some worse than others. Perhaps it will change some minds, perhaps not. At the very least, it will serve as a documentation of these times and how a large number of the people of this city felt. This is what I have seen first-hand. This is Free Palestine Melbourne.