Australians have criticized plans by “pathetic” pro-Palestinian activists to hijack the grand opening of Myer’s Christmas window this year.
The iconic family event planned for Sunday at its Melbourne CBD store on Bourke Street has been canceled due to safety concerns.
It comes after activist Group Disrupt Wars promoted a ‘Crash the Christmas Windows’ rally on Sunday, encouraging supporters to bring banners, flags, banners, noisemakers and props.
“Christmas has been canceled and there will be no joy or frivolity while children in Gaza are slaughtered,” the group posted on social media.
“It bothers those who prefer to bury their heads in the capitalist machine rather than denounce genocide.”
Furious Australians shared their outrage at the news on social media.
‘Disrupt the war’ protesters burst through the doors of families and children attending Myer’s Christmas windows on Sunday. “You can’t get more stupid and sick than that,” one wrote.
‘Why would protesters want to spoil Myer’s Christmas window?’ When would the little children be waiting for him? What are they achieving? Don’t they let them enjoy a Sunday?’ said a second.
Australians have criticized ‘pathetic’ pro-Palestinian activists’ plans to hijack the grand opening of Myer’s Christmas window this year (pictured, 2020 Christmas window)
Protesters march during a pro-Palestine demonstration in Melbourne in October.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the protest plans.
“We cannot allow these types of unpleasant protests to ruin these beautiful Christmas traditions,” Allan told ABC Radio Melbourne on Friday.
‘Blocking Christmas windows is not going to change anything in the Middle East. This is a really small group of people who choose to politicize Christmas, to politicize a beautiful event.’
Melbourne Mayor Nick Reece said he hoped protesters would realize they had made a mistake and urged them to change their plans.
“If there’s one good thing that can come from this conversation… it’s for protesters to realize this is a really silly thing to do and decide to do something different this weekend rather than disrupt Melbourne tradition,” he said. ABC Radio.
Liberal MP Sussan Ley ordered the group to “leave Christmas alone.”
‘The opening of Myer’s Christmas window? Actually? And by the way, doing this won’t convince anyone of your cause. “I just think about the children, the families who love the excitement of the inauguration,” he told Sunrise on Friday.
‘It looks like the Myer Christmas window tradition is going to be ruined. Nat, I’m also concerned about other events that families might celebrate around Christmas this year.
‘Look, Melburnians and Australians have had a tough year. “I just hope the state and federal governments do everything they can to ensure families can celebrate Christmas in peace.”
The opening of Myer’s famous Christmas window display at its Melbourne CBD store will not take place (families are pictured at the iconic event in 2013)
The department store giant confirmed Thursday that the beloved Christmas tradition will not happen.
“In light of recent events and to ensure the wellbeing and safety of customers and team members, we will no longer be holding an event at Bourke Street Mall for the launch of our Christmas window displays,” a Myer spokesperson said.
“Myer’s Christmas windows have long symbolized joy and community, and we remain committed to providing a safe and positive experience for all visitors.”
It will be only the second time that Myer’s iconic opening has been canceled in its almost 70-year history after the event was canceled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.
Jewish leaders also condemned the protesters’ actions.
‘Is nothing sacred anymore?’ Community leader and President of Anti-Defamation, Dr. Dvir Abramovich, told the Herald of the sun.
‘This is not about freedom of expression: it is a toxic hijacking of a family tradition that has no place in any community.
‘Melbourne’s Christmas window displays are about peace, unity and Christmas magic, not spreading discord and confrontation.
“We cannot allow the Christmas spirit to be exploited as a vehicle for hate or to spread anger and misinformation.”
Victoria Police said they had repeatedly asked the group not to protest at Christmas windows, but they would not cooperate.
“While we always respect people’s right to peacefully protest, we are clear that this must be done without impacting the wider community,” a police spokesperson said.