7am A collective howl of protest on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Aug 3, 2025
David Leser, a Walkley-award winning journalist and author, shares his powerful insights from the historic pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney, where 90,000 people rallied despite inclement weather and police opposition. He discusses the emotional weight of witnessing such a significant public demonstration and reflects on how his Holocaust heritage shapes his views on social justice today. The conversation delves into the human cost of the Gaza conflict and the urgent call for greater recognition of Palestinian statehood within Australia.
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Iconic Protest on Sydney Bridge
- The Sydney Harbour Bridge became a stage for a mass, peaceful protest amid heavy rain.
- It symbolized a unified and civilized public expression against the Gaza war atrocities.
Public Sentiment Boils Over
- The turnout of 90,000 exceeded expectations, signaling boiling public sentiment.
- Images of starving Palestinian children have become a galvanizing force for public outrage.
Protest Ban Misjudged
- Attempts to ban the protest felt politically motivated and dismissed boiling public grievance.
- Public protests are vital release valves for collective moral expression during severe crises.