Parliamentarians at Max Brenner

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NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson said his visit today to a Max Brenner café in Sydney’s Met Centre was designed to show support for the chocolate chain following recent protests.

John Robertson and Walt Secord

There have been several ugly incidents as part of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel – including violent altercations between protesters and police outside Max Brenner stores in Sydney and Melbourne.

“I felt it important to come here and show my support for the chain – and to condemn the recent acts of violence against Jewish-owned establishments,” Mr Robertson said.

“These acts of harassment have been going on for too long and they must stop. The Government must take all necessary action to ensure great Australian success stories like Max Brenner can go about their business in peace.” Mr Robertson said.

The BDS is part of a worldwide attempt to boycott Israeli products, programs, and culture. It has recently also started to gain momentum in Australia.

Labor MLC Walt Secord, who is leading the push to revive the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Israel group, joined Mr Robertson on the visit.

“As a matter of principle, I encourage all members of the community who support Israel and oppose the BDS to consider visiting a Max Brenner outlet and make a purchase as an act of solidarity against the BDS movement,” Mr Secord said.

“The protesters’ actions are absolutely unacceptable – violence and harassment is never the answer.

“The NSW Government has a responsibility to business and customers to ensure peaceful trade. They must ensure the safety of the community.”

In the meantime, a facebook page is calling for protesters to meet on Saturday in the Sydney suburb of Newtown to march to the local Max Brenner shop.