A pro-Palestinian protest that disrupted Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve in Melbourne has been lashed on social media.
The live broadcast of the annual event held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl was interrupted just after 8.20pm when two activists ambushed the stage, waving Palestinian flags.
One of the protesters raced to hosts David Campbell and Sarah Abo’s microphones and shouted “all the kids are dying in Gaza” before being removed by security.
Broadcaster Channel Nine cut away from the scenes of the protest, however the audio was still transmitted to viewers.
Alex Ryvchin, the Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the voice of the Australian Jewish community, said the response to the protest showed it was “not wanted”.
“You can always count on anti-Israel extremists to make everything about them and to appal decent, ordinary people,” he wrote on X.
“The chorus of boos tells them loud and clear they’re not wanted.”
TV commentator Prue MacSween accused security of not acting swiftly enough, describing the protest as “disgraceful”.
“Palestinian protesters disrespecting a special Christmas Christian ritual at Carols in Melbourne. This is Australia 2023,” Ms MacSween said on X.
“We are a nation that respects all religions & religious ceremonies. Clearly this respect is not a two-way street. Disgraceful behaviour that terrified children & dismayed us all. When are the police going to get serious about these idiots? Clearly, security was asleep.”
Deputy Victorian Liberal leader David Southwick said it was “not the time and not the place”, lashing it as a “disgraceful act” to gatecrash the Carols ahead of a children’s performance.
Campbell received widespread praise for how he handled the unexpected protest.
“What an absolute disgrace. How can you protest Christmas carols. David Campbell handled it aplomb, but it’s not ok they did that. It’s disgusting,” one said.
“David Campbell handled this with commendable calm and empathy. The protestors had their moment, concerned patrons were quickly reassured and the show went on,” another said.
“David Campbell actually handled this very well. Live broadcasting doesn’t always follow the script,” a third added.
Carols by Candlelight is held every year and run by the Vision Australia charity with the event described as an opportunity to “light up the lives of Australians” and spread joy at Christmas.
Donations for Carols by Candlelight go towards helping improve the lives of children who are blind or have low vision.
(SKY NEWS)
