Two men infringed for vandalising tribute to Israeli hostages

by GRACE JOHNSON

Two men have been infringed after vandalising an art installation at Bondi Beach dedicated to the Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 7.

230 blue-and-white beach towels (the colours of the Israeli flag) and pairs of thongs were set up along the rails of the popular Sydney beach, accompanied by posters of the hostages in Israel.

The installation was organised by a group of young Australian Jews as part of the global “kidnapped” poster campaign drawing attention to the 230 Israeli men, women and children believed to still be held hostage in Gaza.

The art installation runs more than 100 metres along the concourse.

Yesterday (Thursday 2 November), a video emerged of two men tearing down the posters. The men can be seen with scrunched-up posters in their hands in the video.

The scene descends into a yelling match between the two men and a group of people defending the art installation.

“The hostages aren’t here, mate, they’re not here, so why are we bringing it here,” one of the men can be heard saying.

“This is my family,” a woman from the larger group responds.

The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) posted the video of the men allegedly tearing down posters to its social media channels on Thursday before police issued the fines.

Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation.

Police attended a Granville home and spoke to a 25-year-old, then a 40-year-old at a Bankstown home.

Both men have been issued criminal infringement notices for offensive behaviour, which carries a fine of $500.