Close to 500 people joined a passionate snap protest on October 20 to show solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Quakers, Muslims, Christians for Peace, the New South Wales Greens and the Socialist Alliance condemned Israel’s collective punishment in Gaza.
The atmosphere was positive, despite tears and outrage, with people eager to sign an open letter to federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon to call on Labor to push for an immediate ceasefire.
The rally ended with children spontaneously speaking on the microphone and passing it around.
“Free, Free Palestine!” and “Gaza, Gaza, you don’t cry; Gaza, Gaza you’ll never die”, they chanted.
Despite police apprehensions, there were no threats of violence towards the protestors and no antisemitic chants made.
