In a stunning development, retail giant Myer has been compelled to cancel the highly anticipated launch event for its annual Christmas windows display in Melbourne’s iconic Bourke Street Mall. The decision comes in response to a planned protest by pro-Palestine activists, who had threatened to disrupt the festive celebrations.
The “Crash the Christmas Windows” protest, organized by anti-war activist Amy Settal and promoted by the group Disrupt Wars on social media, aimed to “interrupt the media spectacle and economic gain sought by Myer.” The protesters’ stance was that “Christmas is cancelled, and there will be no joy or frivolity while children in Gaza are massacred.”
Premier “Furious” Over Protest
News of the protest and Myer’s subsequent cancellation has drawn sharp criticism from Victoria’s premier, Jacinta Allan. In a statement on social media, Allan expressed her fury at the activist group for “choosing to politicise a beautiful event for children.”
I’m just as mad at all the others who have quietly stoked this division and egged them on. Blocking the Christmas windows won’t change a thing in the Middle East, but it will let down a bunch of kids in Melbourne. Who does that help?
– Premier Jacinta Allan
While acknowledging people’s right to demonstrate, Allan emphasized that they do not have a “right to divide.” She called on Victorians to stand united and not let “ugly protests ruin a beautiful Christmas tradition.”
Greens Leader Responds to Premier’s Accusations
In a surprising twist, Premier Allan specifically called out the Victorian Greens, accusing the political party of using the conflict in the Middle East to “bring further division and conflict into Melbourne.” Greens leader Ellen Sandell swiftly responded, labeling Allan’s comments as “disingenuous” and clarifying that the party had neither endorsed nor supported the Christmas windows protest.
The Greens will continue to peacefully speak up for the tens of thousands of children who have been killed in Gaza, and we urge the Labor premier to join us.
– Victorian Greens Leader Ellen Sandell
Police Presence and Retailer’s Decision
Victoria Police has confirmed that it did not advise Myer to cancel the event and that the decision rests solely with the retailer. Assistant Commissioner Tim Tully stated that police will maintain a visible presence on Sunday and expressed hope that Myer would proceed with the launch following the protest’s cancellation.
Myer, in a statement, emphasized that the decision to cancel was made “in light of recent developments” and to ensure the safety and well-being of customers and staff. The retailer reaffirmed its commitment to providing a “safe and positive experience for all visitors” and the symbolic role the Christmas windows play in bringing joy to the community.
Accusations of Genocide and War Crimes
The protest and subsequent cancellation have reignited discussions about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni decried the public’s apparent greater distress over Christmas windows than “Israel’s genocide and its war on Palestinian children.”
Israel has vehemently rejected accusations of genocide, even as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) investigates a claim put forth by South Africa alleging that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza is genocidal in nature. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 43,500 Palestinians, primarily civilians, have been killed since the start of the Israeli offensive following a deadly attack on southern Israel by Hamas last year.
A Cherished Tradition Interrupted
Myer’s Christmas windows have long been a beloved holiday tradition in Melbourne, drawing thousands of families and children each year to marvel at the intricate displays and festive scenes. The cancellation of the launch event marks a significant disruption to this annual celebration.
As the fallout from the protest and cancellation continues to unfold, many are left wondering about the long-term impact on this cherished community event. Will Myer’s Christmas windows be able to recapture their magic and unite Melburnians in the spirit of the season, or will the specter of political division and conflict cast a lasting shadow over this once-joyous occasion?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the cancellation of Myer’s Christmas windows launch has sparked a heated debate about the intersection of politics, activism, and beloved community traditions. As Melbourne grapples with this unexpected turn of events, the city finds itself at a crossroads, forced to confront difficult questions about the role of protest, the importance of unity, and the enduring power of holiday spirit in the face of adversity.
