The serene and peaceful Mullum2Bruns Paddle Event last week appears to have descended into scuffles and threats over the contentious relationship between Palestine and Israel.
Byron Friends of Palestine member Gareth Smith told Echonetdaily that their placards and banners were ‘ripped apart and chucked into the river’ by men who issued threats of violence.
Local police told The Echo they are investigating claims of the stolen banners and placards at the recent event.
Mr Smith took part in the event and sailed a flotilla decorated with Free Palestine messages into Brunswick Heads. Vic Alhadeff, CEO of the NSW Board of Jewish Deputies and Chair of Keep NSW Safe, told Echonetdaily he was unaware of the incident but, ‘such violence is unacceptable.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
