Grace Tame’s Intifada Chant Controversy

The recent visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia has ignited a fiery debate, particularly after prominent Australian of the Year alumna Grace Tame led a protest chant at Sydney’s Town Hall. Ms Tame’s powerful address, which accused the Israeli leader of engaging in “incitement to genocide” and contributing to the deaths of innocent civilians, culminated in the rallying cry of “globalise the intifada.” This controversial phrase has drawn sharp criticism from federal MPs and the Premier of New South Wales, sparking a national conversation about free speech, hate speech, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ms Tame’s address on Monday night was unequivocal in its condemnation of President Herzog’s alleged actions. She stated that the Israeli leader had “signed his name on bombs that were used to kill innocent women and children.” These accusations come in the wake of findings by the UN Human Rights Council in September 2025, which concluded that genocide was occurring in Gaza. Israel, however, rejects these allegations, and President Herzog has maintained that his comments have been misrepresented and taken out of context.

The phrase “globalise the intifada” itself is deeply divisive. The Arabic word “intifada” translates to “shaking off” and has historically referred to periods of Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. For many within the Jewish community, the phrase is perceived as a direct and hateful incitement to violence. The NSW state government has reportedly been considering measures to outlaw such language under revised hate speech legislation, highlighting the sensitive nature of the term.

A “Distressing Scene” for the Jewish Community

NSW Premier Chris Minns did not mince words in his criticism of Ms Tame’s choice of phrase, describing it as “terrible” and a “distressing scene.” He highlighted the recent loss of 15 members of the Jewish community to a hate crime and a violent terrorist uprising, drawing a stark parallel to the potential consequences of the “globalise the intifada” chant. “I can only imagine what those families thought when they saw someone screaming it from the steps of Town Hall, the pain they would have gone through,” Mr Minns stated, underscoring the emotional impact of such rhetoric on a community still reeling from recent trauma.

Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce also weighed in, suggesting that Ms Tame should be stripped of her Australian of the Year honour. He argued that holding such a prestigious title comes with a responsibility to conduct oneself in a manner that fosters national harmony. “You have a responsibility, when given an honour by the Australian people, to basically conduct yourself in a way that inspires the harmonious nature of Australia,” Mr Joyce commented.

In response to the backlash, Ms Tame released a statement accusing some critics of using her as a “deflection tactic.” She asserted that the focus should not be on her, but on the broader issues at hand. “Politicians and the press can deflect onto me all they like, but I’m not the story,” she declared.

Beyond Words: Policing and Protest

While the debate over the phrase “globalise the intifada” rages on, Gamel Kheir from the Lebanese Muslim Association urged a shift in focus. He argued that the controversy over semantics should not overshadow concerns about the actions of the police at the protest. Video footage emerged showing officers appearing to punch protesters and roughly removing Muslim men who were praying.

“If we are going to go off into semantics then we are arguing about words. What we saw yesterday was beyond words it was actual physical action,” Mr Kheir stated. He emphasised that Australian society should be more alarmed by the physical intervention of police in peaceful protests than by the mere use of certain words.

Political Responses and the Two-State Solution

The incident also spilled into federal politics. Liberal MP Melissa McIntosh used Question Time to call on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to “unequivocally condemn” Ms Tame’s comments. However, Mr Albanese accused the Opposition of attempting to score political points. “We need to not continually look for political opportunities from what is a devastating situation, we need to turn the temperature down,” he advised.

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, while refraining from commenting directly on Ms Tame’s speech, acknowledged the “damaging” nature of the phrase. She elaborated that the underlying message of a “single state” – whether Palestinian or Israeli – is divisive. “At its heart, what it means is a single state, a single Palestinian state or a single Israeli state, that is a damaging and divisive message,” Ms Plibersek explained. She reiterated the Labor Party’s support for a two-state solution, stating, “we don’t support slogans or chants or statements that suggest a single state.”

This multifaceted controversy highlights the deeply entrenched divisions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of navigating free speech amidst heightened political and emotional tensions in Australia. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of language and the profound impact it can have on communities.