Students gathered at the steps of Flinders Street station in the Melbourne CBD on Thursday afternoon, rallying for Palestine. The crowd spilled out on to the road, bringing traffic to a standstill at the busy Flinders and Swanston Street intersection.
Year 11 student Audra, a co-organiser of the rally, told the crowd to continue standing with Palestine and “defy our principals and politicians who tell us we don’t know what we’re talking about”.
“I walked out of school today with all of you to take a stand on the right side of history,” Audra said.
Students unveiled a giant watermelon flag, in the colours of the Palestinian flag. A watermelon is a symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance.
Mother of two Michelle Coleman, attended the rally with her two daughters, Eva, 11 and Dane, 9, who were students at Caulfield primary school.
Eva said she “wanted to help everyone in Gaza and Palestine”.
Coleman, a child of a Palestinian refugee, said she wanted her children to be proud of their heritage.
“I want them to understand their identity and understand its OK to fight for human rights of all people,” she said
“It’s incredible to see so many students and young people who are aware and connected. It’s such a peaceful environment.”