Amy MekIn an attack on Christians, Melbourne’s cherished Christmas Eve tradition, Carols by Candlelight, was disrupted by pro-Hamas/Palestine supporters. The incident, unfolding at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about public safety.
Around 8:20 pm, as a live television broadcast captured Australia’s festive spirit, the stage was stormed by several terror supporters. Brandishing Palestinian flags, they disrupted the family holiday charity event for children with vision impairment and forcefully snatched the microphone from hosts David Campbell and Sarah Abo. This intrusion was swiftly condemned as an “utter disgrace” by online viewers and TV executive Rob McKnight.
Victoria Police responded promptly, arresting a 21-year-old Brunswick woman and issuing an infringement notice for carrying a controlled weapon. Additionally, the police intervened with another individual involved in the incident, directing them to leave the area to ensure order and safety.
The Carols by Candlelight, run by Vision Australia, has been a hallmark event celebrating community and Christmas spirit for 86 years. This year, however, its mission to “light up the lives” of Australians and spread joy was overshadowed by the left-wing Hamas supporters.
Carols By Candlelight interrupted by Pro-Palestine protestors in Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/OAj7PYwQL8
— Matthew Karstunen (@MKarstunen) December 24, 2023
The event’s broadcaster, Channel Nine, cut away from the protest visuals. Still, the audio of the incident was transmitted, capturing a Hamas supporter attempting to seize the microphone and proclaim, “While you’re caroling, kids are dying in Gaza,” before being cut off.
The event, known for supporting children who are blind or have low vision through donations, saw its hosts and performers, including children, terrorized by the incident. Despite the disturbance, the show continued, with the crowd applauding as the children returned to the stage.
Yeah, let’s scare the kids performing on stage. What a bunch of morons. https://t.co/jHqn3yOntE
— Robert McKnight (@rob_mcknight) December 24, 2023
Leaders from various communities, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin, have condemned the disruption, with Ryvchin stating, “You can always count on anti-Israel extremists to make everything about them and to appall decent, ordinary people.”
Dr. Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, described the protest as an attempt to “destroy our sense of security,” highlighting the impact of such actions on a traditionally family-oriented event.
As Melbourne prepares for its New Year’s celebrations, this incident has raised concerns about left-wing radicals or Islamic supremacists using “guerilla-type tactics” in public gatherings and the need for heightened security measures to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants in future events.
Keep praying. Christ can make the blind see again. Shame on the heathens. Ignore the horrible people in life.