Police maintained a heavy presence in and around the Opera House on Sunday.Credit: Edwina Pickles
The other speakers at the pro-Palestine rally in Hyde Park included several Australians who had returned from the Middle East after they had been detained by Israeli authorities when their Gaza-bound flotilla was recently intercepted.
Police also had a heavy presence in and around the Opera House on Sunday, which included security checkpoints near the Toaster apartment building and the entrance from the Botanic Gardens.
The Opera House stairs were fenced off from the public while police had at least four vessels patrolling nearby. A small flotilla of motorboats and yachts sporting Israeli and Australian flags passed by the Opera House shortly after midday.
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Members of Sydney’s Jewish community and their supporters braved wind and rain in Sydney’s east on Sunday evening to commemorate those killed in Hamas’ October 7 attacks, and to celebrate the anticipated return of hostages two years later.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the vigil was planned as a night of sombre reflection but the Israel-Hamas peace deal brokered by the US administration, and the confirmation by Hamas officials of plans to release Israeli hostages from Monday morning (Israel time), had restored hope in the Australian Jewish community.
“How quickly things can change if the effort is sustained,” he told the crowd. “We will never forget nor forgive what happened on that day, but we gather also to celebrate … what we pray will be a time of peace for all people who seek it.”
The crowd was played a video message from prominent Australian leaders including Defence Minister Richard Marles, federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman.
Premier Chris Minns last week said demonstrators who defied the order by gathering at the Opera House could face “the full force of the law”.
The Court of Appeal had said in its decision last week that flouting the order might expose participants to punishment for contempt of court.
The alternative route on Sunday for pro-Palestine protesters from Hyde Park to Belmore Park ran via George Street, forcing the temporary closure of some roads and light rail services in the CBD.
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