Australian State Considers Ban on ‘Globalize the Intifada’ Chants and Masked Protesters Following Hanukkah Attack

In the wake of a deadly mass shooting that claimed at least 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) is proposing legislation to ban the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which many regard as an antisemitic call for violence against Jewish people.

NSW Premier Chris Minns announced the proposed ban on Saturday, emphasizing that “hate speech or incitement of hatred has no place in our society.” The new legislation would give police expanded powers to require protesters to remove face coverings during demonstrations.

“Horrific, recent events have shown that the chant ‘globalize the intifada’ is hate speech and encourages violence in our community,” Minns told reporters. “You’re running a very risky racket if you’re thinking of using that phrase.”

The proposed legislation would extend beyond verbal expressions to include prohibitions on public displays of ISIS flags and other extremist symbols. Violations could result in penalties of up to two years imprisonment along with financial penalties.

This legislative response comes in the immediate aftermath of what Australian authorities have confirmed was an ISIS-inspired attack at Bondi Beach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed on Friday that intelligence sources had identified connections between the attacker and ISIS propaganda.

“We’ve been informed that the Office of National Intelligence has identified a regular online video feed from ISIS that reinforces that this was an ISIS-inspired attack,” Albanese told reporters.

The Bondi Beach massacre has prompted a broader government response to extremism and hate speech. Albanese has pledged to introduce additional measures aimed at curbing radicalization, including an expansion of the legal definition of hate speech offenses. The Prime Minister has also announced plans for a national gun buyback program and a “day of reflection” to honor the victims.

Among those killed in the Bondi Beach attack was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a respected Jewish community leader who had previously written to Prime Minister Albanese expressing grave concerns about rising antisemitism in Australia. In his letter, Rabbi Schlanger had implored the Prime Minister “not to betray the Jewish people.”

Australia has experienced a troubling increase in antisemitic incidents since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. This escalation of hostility has created heightened tensions within communities and raised serious concerns about public safety, particularly among Jewish Australians.

The proposed ban on phrases like “globalize the intifada” represents part of a broader effort to address extremism and protect vulnerable communities. Similar measures have been implemented or debated in other countries grappling with increased polarization and religiously motivated violence.

Civil liberties advocates typically scrutinize such restrictions on speech for their potential impact on freedom of expression and protest rights. However, supporters of such measures argue they represent necessary protections against incitement to violence, especially in the context of rising hate crimes.

The tragic events at Bondi Beach have intensified the national conversation around extremism, gun control, and hate speech in Australia. The country, which implemented sweeping gun reforms after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, is once again examining its regulatory framework in response to a mass casualty event.

As Australia mourns the victims of the Bondi Beach attack, the proposed legislation reflects the government’s determination to prevent further violence and protect communities vulnerable to extremism and hate speech. The coming weeks will likely see continued debate over the appropriate balance between security measures and civil liberties as the nation processes this tragedy.