Backlash grows over Sydney event defending ‘globalise the intifada’

A City of Sydney council venue will host a public forum next month defending the phrase “globalise the intifada”, prompting strong criticism from Jewish leaders and renewed scrutiny of Cumberland councillor Ahmed Ouf.

The event, titled “Why it’s right to say ‘globalise the intifada”‘, has been rescheduled to Tuesday 5 May at the East Sydney Community and Arts Centre in Darlinghurst and is being organised by activist group Stop the War on Palestine.

A City of Sydney-owned venue has been booked for a public forum defending the phrase “globalise the intifada”, prompting criticism from Jewish leaders and calls for closer scrutiny of Cumberland councillor Ahmed Ouf.

The event, organised by activist group Stop the War on Palestine, is titled “Why it’s right to say ‘globalise the intifada’” and is set to take place at a council venue in Sydney. Promotional material invites supporters to attend a discussion on the meaning of the phrase and to oppose proposed restrictions by the NSW government.

A flyer circulating online urges attendees to “defy” the Minns government’s planned anti-hate speech laws, stating, “In NSW, Chris Minns still plans to ban ‘globalise the intifada’. This is an effort to smear and repress the Palestine movement – and it must be resisted.”

Ouf is listed as a speaker alongside other pro-Palestinian activists. His involvement has drawn attention following the emergence of video showing him addressing a religious gathering in which he expressed support for Iran and referred to “jihad”.

The phrase “globalise the intifada” has become a flashpoint in public debate, particularly in the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack. In the days following the attack, NSW Premier Chris Minns described the slogan as “hateful, violent rhetoric” and indicated his government would move to ban it.

Jewish organisations have warned the language carries connotations of violence. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has said the term “intifada” is associated with past campaigns involving attacks on civilians.

David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, told the Daily Telegraph the phrase had been recognised by a NSW parliamentary inquiry as a call to violence against Jewish Australians.

“Post 14 December, no one can claim ignorance about where dangerous rhetoric and incitement like this can lead,” he said.

“The City of Sydney council surely cannot provide a venue for an event which endangers public safety and so grievously undermines social cohesion.”

A City of Sydney spokesperson confirmed the booking and said organisers were expected to comply with venue conditions and the law. The council said it supports freedom of speech and peaceful assembly but does not tolerate hate or discrimination.

Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed said councillors acting in a personal capacity do not represent the council. She said elected representatives should focus on bringing communities together and strengthening social cohesion.

A council spokesperson said any potential code of conduct matters would be handled through established processes and could not be discussed publicly until resolved.