Young Kids at Sydney University Protest Incite Controversy with Anti-Israel Rhetoric

On April 28, 2024, a controversial "kids excursion" event hosted by Families for Palestine at the University of Sydney featured young children chanting pro-Palestine slogans, including calls for "intifada" and labeling Israel as "haram" (forbidden). The event was organized by Randa Abdel-Fattah, a Macquarie University academic, and involved children participating in arts and crafts activities such as painting the Palestinian flag.

Video footage from the event shows Abdel-Fattah cheering on the children as they parroted slogans against Israel, raising questions about why the university is paying an academic who supports such rhetoric. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), criticized the event, stating that it was designed to "split our country apart" and "induct children into racial hatred and religious extremism."

The ECAJ expressed grave concern over the incident, warning that it poses a direct threat to the basic right of students to assemble and learn in peace, free from intimidation and racially motivated hatred. They called on university administrations and the government to take immediate action to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

Why this matters: The involvement of young children in political protests and the use of educational institutions for such activities has sparked controversy and criticism. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and debates surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on university campuses.

Dr. Elizabeth Strakosch, co-Executive Officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, defended the students and children who spoke out against what they perceive as an "unfolding genocide," noting that many of them are Jewish. However, the ECAJ warned that failure to address such incidents risks permanently degrading the reputation of Australia's university sector and turning campuses into no-go areas for Jewish students and academics.

Key Takeaways

• Controversial "kids excursion" event at Univ. of Sydney featured children chanting anti-Israel slogans.
• Event organized by Randa Abdel-Fattah, a Macquarie Univ. academic, involved children painting Palestinian flags.
• ECAJ criticized the event, calling it an attempt to "induct children into racial hatred and extremism".
• ECAJ warned the incident poses a threat to students' right to assemble and learn in peace.
• Incident highlights ongoing tensions over Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on university campuses.