Protests were held in multiple Australian cities on Sunday to commemorate Nakba Day, which marks the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
Melbourne
About 500 people marched from the State Library to Flinders Street Station. Speakers included Palestinian-Australian surgeon Dr. Bushra Othman, Senator Lydia Thorpe, and Greens Senator David Shoebridge. Senator Shoebridge criticized the Australian government's stance on the Middle East conflict. Counter-protesters held Israeli flags across the road; police reported no incidents.
"The displacement of our people is not a memory—it is an ongoing reality," said Dr. Bushra Othman.
Brisbane
Approximately 350 protesters gathered in the CBD, hearing from Palestinian speakers who shared stories of Nakba survivors and called for resistance. Chants of "free, free Palestine" were heard. Attendees included Nick Hanna, a lawyer representing individuals facing hate speech charges.
Perth
About 300 people attended a rally and march organized by Friends of Palestine WA. Secretary Nick Everett expressed encouragement at the turnout and urged continued activism.
Adelaide
More than 200 people demonstrated outside Parliament, with chants of "free Palestine". Husam Elassaad addressed the crowd about the impact of displacement on his family.
"My family lost everything in 1948. We still carry that wound," said Husam Elassaad.
Hobart
Over 100 people marched and gathered outside Parliament House, where speeches, poetry, and music were presented. Zainab Fadhil of the Tasmanian Palestine Advocacy Network emphasized the ongoing significance of Nakba.
Background
The UN General Assembly's 1947 partition plan led to war in 1948 and the displacement of an estimated 750,000 Palestinians. The "right of return" remains a key demand for Palestinian groups.