Melbourne’s mass protest against the visit of Israel President Isaac Herzog showed how large, diverse crowds can assemble peacefully when police exercise restraint and common sense. Sydney’s response points to a deeper failure of judgment about protest, power and democracy.

The tragedy of the Sydney protest clashes is that they could have been avoided.

In Melbourne, protesters started gathering well before the advertised start time of 5.30pm. Many rushed down Swanston street to make it after work. But many, many others, had clearly made the kind of careful arrangements that ensured they were not late. Some had walking sticks, some prams. One group, who later led marchers up Bourke Street, were joined by a black and white corgi with a matching keffiyeh around its neck.

People made space as Louise Adler and her husband Max Gillies walked through the courteous crowd, just like everyone else. Jewish Australians were everywhere, many wearing ‘Not in my name’ or ‘Anti-Zionist Jew’ on their shirts.

I thought my........

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