Inquiry told actions of pro-Palestinian protesters in Sydney were 'appalling'

Tensions flared at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion as the head of a prominent Jewish body criticized the "appalling" conduct of pro-Palestinian protesters during a rally held shortly after Hamas's attack on Israel. David Ossip, president of the Jewish Board of Deputies, recounted his reaction to the October 9, 2023, protest in Sydney.

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The fact that two days after October 7 a community which was highly traumatised and in mourning was told the CBD was not safe for them, had profound psychological impacts.

Ossip testified that he first learned of the rally on the evening of October 7, the same day Hamas launched its attack on southern Israel. He expressed dismay that just two days later, the Jewish community, which was "highly traumatised and in mourning," was advised by police to avoid Sydney's central business district for their safety. "It was effectively the police saying, 'We can't keep your community safe'," Ossip stated, viewing it as police effectively ceding control of the CBD to protesters.

The commission heard allegations that protesters chanted "where's the Jews?" and "f*** the Jews," and that an Israeli flag was set on fire. However, a subsequent inquiry, including forensic analysis of CCTV footage, could not find evidence of claims that protesters chanted "gas the Jews."

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It was effectively the police saying, 'We can't keep your community safe'. In my view it was effectively the police transferring control of the CBD to the protesters.

Lawyers representing the Palestine Action Group (APAN) questioned Ossip, leading to a tense exchange. Dominic Toomey SC, counsel for APAN, pressed Ossip on his understanding of the protesters' motivations. The inquiry is also examining a neo-Nazi rally that occurred on November 8, 2025, as part of its broader investigation into police responses to protests and social cohesion.

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I thought their conduct was appalling