The most senior Muslim woman in Anthony Albanese’s government was confronted by a crowd of angry pro-Palestinian activists.
Early childhood education minister Anne Aly – who became Australia’s first female Muslim minister when she was elected in 2016 – was blasted by campaigners on Saturday for claiming she had ignored the “genocide” in Gaza.
The Perth MP’s “Meet Your Member” event in a suburban park was flagged by the Friends of Palestine WA group as a way to confront Labor over its policies regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A man who identified himself as a student kicked off the heated exchange by asking Dr Aly about Australia’s decision to suspend funding to the UN agency in Gaza, UNRWA. Funding for the agency has since resumed.
During his speech, the man tried to show Dr. Aly a photo of a starving Palestinian child and asked her what she thought was the “damage” to the child.
Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly (right) was confronted by a crowd of pro-Palestinian activists (left) on Saturday.
However, Dr Aly was quick to silence the campaigners, highlighting his Muslim background born in Egypt and raised in Australia.
Dr. Aly has spoken out openly against Israel’s actions in its conflict with Hamas.
Discussions about the war in the Middle East particularly affect the MP as her father fought in the Six Day War against Israel in 1967, which cost thousands of lives.
“I have often said it. My father fought in 1967, I know what’s going on. Don’t come here and lecture me on this issue,” she told activists on Saturday.
“I know very well what’s going on.”
One of the protesters tried to use Dr. Aly’s argument against her, saying: “Using your father’s inheritance, how shameful.” »
She quickly responded, “Because my father fought in the war.” What have you done?’
Protesters continued to demand “answers” over Labor Party policies and accused Dr Aly of supporting Zionism, a movement aimed at establishing a homeland for Jewish people in Palestine.
Dr Aly (pictured) is an Egyptian-born, Australian-raised Muslim who has been outspoken about the conflict in Gaza.
The lawmaker ignored the accusation and instead told the crowd they should abandon the “dream” of Israel agreeing to a ceasefire without a negotiated truce.
“I would like a ceasefire to take place. We would all agree on that, right? What has become increasingly clear is that the only way to achieve a ceasefire is through a negotiation led by Egypt and Qatar,” she said.
Instead, she highlighted how Israel has lost much of its international support.
His Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was notably criticized for making peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine difficult.
Dr Aly told activists on Saturday that Mr Netanyahu’s agenda was “very clear”.
“He led the far-right section of the Israeli government that openly expressed its desire for the annihilation and annexation of Gaza,” she said.
“It’s a concern for the Egyptians, it’s a concern for the region, and it’s a concern for me and it’s a concern for you.”
Activists (left) accused Dr Aly (right) of supporting “genocide” and “Zionism” and told her to “don’t call yourself Muslim”.
Plainclothes Australian Federal Police officers were forced to intervene as the confrontation became increasingly heated.
Dr Aly was taken away by her husband Dave Allen and a member of staff as activists called her a “coward” and told her to “don’t call yourself Muslim”.
The crowd also chanted “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as Dr. Aly walked away.
Friends of Palestine WA asked its nearly 9,000 followers to “tell federal Labor MP Anne Aly what you think of her government’s appalling record of supporting the Israeli genocide over the past five months” on morning of his event.
He urged participants to question Dr Aly on the government’s suspension of UNRWA aid and assistance to Palestinian refugees.
Funding was suspended by various international governments after it was revealed that Hamas terrorists had siphoned off some of the aid.
Dr Aly (right) was pulled away from campaigners (left) by her husband Dave Allen and a staff member, with campaigners calling her a ‘coward’.
The Australian Jewish Association commented on the incident on Wednesday, writing: “These guys aren’t that bright. They are harassing one of the most anti-Israeli Labor MPs ever.
The NSW Council of Jewish Deputies also commented: “This is an untenable situation and, for the sake of our democracy, we should have no tolerance for this bullying behavior.
“Based on her comments, Anne Aly clearly has different views than we do, but we will vehemently defend her right to maintain those views free from threats and harassment.”
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Anne Aly for comment.