An iconic Australian Christmas tradition celebrated for almost 70 years will not go ahead amid fears that pro-Palestinian activists could hijack the family event.
Myer’s famous annual Christmas window reveal scheduled for Sunday at its Melbourne CBD on Bourke Street has been canceled due to safety concerns arising from a planned pro-Palestine protest.
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.”
The pro-Palestinian activist group Disrupt Wars plans to demonstrate at the Bourke Street shopping center on Sunday.
“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.”
The opening of Myer’s famous Christmas window display at its Melbourne CBD store will not take place
Myer’s annual Christmas window reveal scheduled for Sunday at Bourke Street Mall has been canceled due to safety concerns arising from a planned pro-Palestine protest.
One image on social media included the threat: “Break Christmas windows.”
It will be only the second time Myer’s iconic opening has been canceled in its almost 70-year history.
The event was canceled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.
The cancellation of the traditional event has drawn the ire of Jewish leaders.
‘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.”
A pro-Palestinian group has threatened to “break Christmas windows.” The group posted on social media: “Christmas is canceled and there will be no joy or frivolity as children in Gaza are slaughtered.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed they were aware of reports that protesters had planned to cancel the disruption of the Myer event.
“We have repeatedly asked them not to do it, but the group is not cooperating with the police.”
The cancellation of Melbourne’s family Christmas institution has sparked public outrage.
Opposition leader in the Legislative Council and Liberal member for Metropolitan South, Georgie Crozier, led the reaction.
‘Myer Christmas Windows opening canceled due to pro-Palestinian protest. What a shame… these activists are not protesters, they are pathetic and miserable thugs,” he posted on X on Thursday night.
The Australians also turned to X to vent their fury.
‘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.
Another 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?’ another wrote.
Channel Seven reporter Nick McCallum also weighed in and urged Myer to reconsider his decision.
‘Myer should have gone ahead with the launch of Windows Windows. It is a beautiful Melbourne tradition for the entire community. They and the police should have been strong enough to challenge the protesters and protect the attendees. Don’t give up when things get tough!’ he wrote.