Plans to hijack the grand opening of the iconic Myer Christmas display have been abandoned by pro-Palestine protesters after mass outrage from Aussies.
Activist group Disrupt Wars was going to ‘Crash the Christmas Windows’ on Bourke Street in Melbourne‘s CBD on Sunday, with banners, flags, placards and props.
However, their plans changed following backlash from Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan who was furious Myer had to cancel the annual event for families on safety grounds.
‘On 14 November, Myer announced that it would cancel its planned Christmas window unveiling in Melbourne, after disruptions to this event were posted on social media,’ organiser Amy Settal said in a statement.
‘The planned protest, “Crash the Christmas Windows” was organised by an anti-war activist and was shared on social media by Disrupt Wars.
‘Myer’s ‘share the joy’ campaign is offensive given the absolute devastation children in Palestine are experiencing right now. Celebrating overconsumption while the historic birthplace of Jesus is under bombardment is abhorrent.
‘This protest was always going to be peaceful and non-violent. The intention was to interrupt the media spectacle and economic gain sought by Myer.
‘The children coming to see the Myer Christmas windows were never a target, because children are not a target. In light of Myer’s decision to cancel their window reveal event, planned disruptions will not go ahead.’
Aussies have blasted plans by ‘pathetic’ pro-Palestine activists to hijack the grand opening of the Myer Christmas window display this year (pictured, the Christmas display in 2020)
Protesters march during a Pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne in October
The backflip comes after Ms Allan unleashed on pro-Palestine protesters over their ‘ugly’ plans to ruin Christmas traditions.
‘Blocking Christmas windows is not going to change one single thing in the Middle East,’ Ms Allan told ABC Radio Melbourne on Friday.
‘This is a really small group of people who are choosing to politicise Christmas, to politicise a beautiful event.’
Aussies shared Ms Allan’s outrage in furious posts on social media.
”Disrupt war’ protesters to gatecrash families and children attending the Myer Christmas windows reveal on Sunday. You can’t get more stupid and sick than that,’ one wrote.
‘Why would protesters want to spoil the Myer Christmas Window?’ When little kids would be looking forward to it? What are they achieving can’t they let them enjoy one Sunday?’ a second said.
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Nick Reece said he hoped protesters would realise they had made a mistake, urging them to change their plans.
‘If there’s any good that can come out of this conversation… it’s that the protesters realise that this is a really dumb thing to do, and that they decide to do something different this weekend rather than upset the Melbourne tradition,’ he told ABC Radio.
Myer’s famous Christmas window unveiling at its Melbourne CBD store will not go ahead (families are pictured at the iconic event in 2013)
Liberal MP Sussan Ley ordered the group to ‘leave Christmas alone’.
‘The Myer Christmas window unveiling? Really? And by the way, doing this is not going to convince anyone of your cause. I just think of the kids, the families that love this excitement on the unveiling,’ she told Sunrise on Friday.
‘The tradition of the Myer Christmas window looks as if it’s going to be spoilt. I’m also worried, Nat, about the other events that families might be celebrating this year around Christmas.
‘Look, Melburnians and Australians have had a tough year. I just hope the state and federal governments do all they can to make sure families can celebrate Christmas in peace.’
Jewish leaders have also condemned the actions of protesters.
‘Is nothing sacred anymore?’ community leader and Anti-Defamation chair Dr Dvir Abramovich told the Herald Sun.
‘This is not about free speech – it’s a toxic hijacking of a family-friendly tradition that has no place in any community.
‘Melbourne’s Christmas windows are about peace, unity, and holiday magic, not about spreading discord and confrontation.
‘We cannot allow the spirit of Christmas to be exploited as a vehicle for hatred or to spread anger and misinformation.’
Victoria Police earlier said it had repeatedly asked the group not to protest at the Christmas windows, but it would not co-operate.
‘While we always respect the right for people to protest peacefully, we are clear that this should be done without impacting the broader community,’ a police spokesperson said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Myer to see if it will reinstate the much-loved Christmas tradition following the cancelled protest.
