Protest and violent acts elsewhere conflatedYour July 7 editorial unfairly equates a peaceful protest calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza with unrelated and condemnable criminal acts that occurred two days prior. This conflation is not only inaccurate but dangerous, as it misrepresents a movement grounded in non-violence, solidarity, and international law.For nearly two years, people from diverse backgrounds have gathered weekly in Melbourne to call for justice, not to incite division.To suggest that Palestinians and their supporters should remain silent out of fear of 鈥渙ffending Australian values鈥 is to ignore the very essence of those values 鈥 democracy, free expression, and standing against injustice.The real issue is not protest slogans, but the ongoing Israeli bombardment of civilians, including children, in breach of international law. To frame those opposing war crimes as tone-deaf is to deflect from the true horrors unfolding in Gaza, enabled by Western governments, including our own.Blaming protesters for the actions of a few criminals is irresponsible and stifles legitimate dissent. Now, more than ever, we must amplify, not silence, voices for peace, justice, and accountability.Ezzat Hijazi, Revesby, NSW
When moral authority of protest is lostAny slogan or chant that includes the cry of “鈦eath to”鈦 delegitimises the moral authority of the protest, the protester, and the cause being advocated for, and unleashes and reinforces the very violence and hatred that lies at the heart of the antagonism in dispute.Harry Zable, Campbells Creek
Performative attacksTony Wright nails it – again (鈥淭hugs who perform violence over distant atrocities have no place here鈥, 6/7). There is no doubt that individuals and groups in both Israel and Gaza have committed horrendous atrocities but violent and disruptive protests and attacks on places of worship or businesses in Australia will change absolutely nothing in the Middle East.Do the protesters really think Netanyahu or Hamas have the slightest interest in the opinions or actions of Australian protesters?The only consequence of these performative, and often criminal, actions is to cause pain and division in Australian society. Surely, the better way, the Australian way, is to demonstrate that people of different faiths and different views can live harmoniously and respectfully together.April Baragwanath, Geelong
Greed festers abuseAdele Ferguson鈥檚 article “鈦hildcare horrors are shocking, but they鈥檙e no surprise to me”鈦, (4/7) rendered me speechless with shock, anger and shame that our culture is so depraved that money is desired above community, and the greed for it festers such alleged disgusting treatment of our children?Our government must establish a royal commission to identify how to purge these despicable practices. As Ferguson highlights, we addressed the corruption in our banks, it鈥檚 time to do the same for the care of our children.David Marshall, West Brunswick