Sydney council under fire over ‘Globalise the Intifada’ event
Forum moved venues after backlash as Jewish leaders warn slogan linked to violence and rising fear
A row has erupted in Sydney after a council-owned venue was booked to host a public forum defending the phrase “globalise the intifada”, prompting strong condemnation from Jewish community leaders.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the event, organised by activist group Stop the War on Palestine, had initially been scheduled to take place at the Darlington Activity Centre, a building owned by the City of Sydney. Promotional material invited attendees to “discuss what it means to ‘Globalise the Intifada’” and urged supporters to oppose proposed anti-hate speech laws in New South Wales.
Following mounting criticism, organisers confirmed the event would instead be held on 5 May at another council-run site, the East Sydney Community and Arts Centre.
The controversy has drawn sharp reaction from Jewish groups, who say the phrase carries clear associations with violence. The Australian Jewish Association described the situation as “deeply concerning”, particularly given the involvement – now withdrawn – of local councillor Ahmed Ouf.
Chief executive Robert Gregory said it was troubling that “a sitting councillor is participating in an event invoking language associated with the promotion of violence”, adding that concern had intensified in the aftermath of the Bondi attack.
He also questioned how the event had been approved, arguing, “It is difficult to imagine that the venue would host an event perceived to legitimise violence against any other minority group.”
Similar concerns were raised by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, whose president, David Ossip, said the slogan had already been identified by a parliamentary inquiry as “a call to violence against Jewish Australians”.
“Post 14 December, no one can claim ignorance about where dangerous rhetoric and incitement like this can lead,” he said, warning the use of council facilities for such an event “endangers public safety and so grievously undermines social cohesion”.
The phrase has been at the centre of political debate in the state. NSW Premier Chris Minns has pledged to ban its use, describing it as “hateful, violent rhetoric”, although pro-Palestinian activists argue the Arabic term “intifada” simply means “uprising”.
A spokesperson for the City of Sydney said the council allows freedom of speech and peaceful assembly in its venues but expects organisers to comply with the law and conditions of hire. “We do not tolerate displays of hate or discrimination,” they added.
Local political figures have also expressed unease. City councillor Lyndon Gannon described the event as “gross” and “unacceptable”, while Cumberland mayor Ola Hamed said comments by some councillors had created division and did not reflect the council as a whole.
The New South Wales government distanced itself from the decision, noting that the venue is operated by the City of Sydney and that responsibility for bookings lies with the council.
The episode comes amid heightened sensitivities within Australia’s Jewish community following recent violence, with leaders warning that language linked to past attacks risks fuelling fear and further division.
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