Pro-Palestine protesters have been under fire for bringing Australia’s biggest shopping centre to a halt on Boxing Day.
On the morning of Dec. 26, a small group of protesters made their way to Chadstone shopping centre in Melbourne where more than 150,000 shoppers braved the crowds to snap up a bargain after a year made more difficult by a cost-of-living crisis.
Images and videos on social media showed the demonstrators wearing keffiyehs as well as masks and sunglasses to hide their identity while unfurling the Palestinian flag near the food court.
Protesters were reported to have distributed flyers and held signs that read “While you’re shopping, bombs are dropping” in front of a Zara store.
They were later escorted by security but no one was charged.
Chadstone centre manager Daniel Boyle said the retail precinct was a “welcoming and inclusive” environment that would “remain free of any political platforms, advertising or statements.”
In a statement, he said the shopping centre had a rich history of being a place where “people from all backgrounds come together to shop, dine, stay, and play.”
“Our focus remains on delivering a world-class shopping experience, excellent customer service, and a wide range of unique retail offerings for visitors to enjoy,” he said, according to The Australian.
“We believe that by fostering a spirit of unity, inclusivity, and respect, we can continue to be Melbourne’s premium destination where all individuals feel welcome.”
The demonstration has ignited tensions with Jewish community members and sparked criticism on social media for its timing and setting.
“The right to protest is vital, but it shouldn’t trample on the rights of shoppers and businesses trying to enjoy the holiday season.”
Another person commented, “Supporters of Palestine are taking advantage of the tolerance of democracies around the world and are becoming increasingly aggressive. Are there no laws for them?”
Anti-Defamation Commission chair and Jewish advocate Dvir Abramovich said ongoing pro-Palestine protests had turned Melbourne into a “battlefield of misery and conflict.”
“They are tearing to shreds Melbourne’s reputation as a tolerant, peaceful city, and I would not be surprised if this horror show will turn off potential visitors from coming here,” he told the Herald Sun.
The event took place a day after pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne, one of the largest Christmas events of the year.
Videos on social media showed protesters running along the stage, waving Palestinian flags and shouting slogans.
Children who were performing were rushed to safety while protesters were restrained and removed from the stage.
Boxing Day Sales
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) estimated Australians would splurge $1.25 billion (US$850 million) on “unprecedented” deals with shoppers hoping to stretch their dollar further during discounts and sales.The entire sales period from Boxing Day to Jan. 15 is expected to bring in $23.9 billion, up 1.6 percent on last year.
While modest, the projected spending growth is encouraging for retailers given the slowdown in discretionary spending.
“Boxing Day is the grand final of Australia’s favourite sport, shopping,” ARA boss Paul Zahra said.
Australia’s biggest bank expected almost one in two people to participate in the sales, spending an estimated $4.6 billion in total.
The driving demographic involved in Boxing Day shopping is the group aged 39 and under, reflecting data from a recent CommBank IQ cost of living report which found younger Australians are feeling the most pain from rising prices.
“Aussie household budgets are being squeezed on multiple fronts, so it is not surprising that individual shoppers are tightening their belts,” Ms. Irvine said.
