A Melbourne, Australia Christmas charity event raising money for children who are blind or have low vision was derailed on Christmas Eve when a group of pro-Palestinian protestors took over the stage.
The Carols by Candlelight event has been annualy at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl and is the largest annual fundraiser for Vision Australia’s children’s services, according to the event’s website.
"Funds raised from Carols by Candlelight support Vision Australia’s Life Ready Program, which is designed to encourage and support childhood development and the education of children and young people who are blind or have low vision, so they can form strong foundations for life, true meaningful participation and life-long employment," the website states.
Video shows the agitators storming the stage with Palestinian flags, running around as security attempted to remove them. The crowd booed as the festivities were halted. One protestor was able to grab the microphone briefly and shout "While you're caroling kids are dying in Gaza" before being grabbed by security.
According to the Guardian, a 21-year-old Brunswick woman was arrested and issued with an infringement notice for the possession of a controlled weapon, and a second was removed by officers. Two more protestors were denied entry at the gates.
Members of the Australian Parliament criticized the protestors for disrupting the children’s event, which features the Australian Girls Choir and National Boys Choir of Australia.
