Myer’s annual Christmas window unveiling has been scrapped after pro-Palestine protesters planned to disrupt the event, saying “there is no joy in genocide”.
The unveiling of the annual Bourke Street display was expected to happen on Sunday in front of children and their families in Melbourne’s CBD.
Children admire the Myer Christmas window display in Melbourne in 2018.Credit: Luis Ascui
Myer confirmed on Thursday the event had been cancelled as a result of the threat.
“In light of recent developments and to ensure the wellbeing and safety of customers and team members, we will no longer hold an event on Bourke Street Mall for the unveiling of our Christmas windows,” a Myer spokesperson said.
“Myer’s Christmas windows have long symbolised joy and community, and we remain committed to providing a safe and positive experience for all visitors.”
The windows would still open from Sunday and remain open until January 5, the spokesperson said.
The retailer’s decision came after protesters planned to disrupt the event, with organisers saying on social media: “Myer would like us to ‘share the joy’ this Christmas, but there is no joy in genocide.”
The protesters, who are calling for a free Palestine, planned to meet at the State Library with placards, banners and noisemakers, before moving on to Bourke Street to interrupt the Myer Christmas window unveiling.
Their aim was to “inconvenience those who would rather bury their heads in the capitalist machine than speak up against a genocide”, they said.
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