More than 300 people attended an “Experience Palestine” event organised by the Federation of Australian Muslim Students and Youth (FAMSY), at Coburg Town Hall on February 19.
They were greeted by mock Israeli “border guards” and questioned about their identity and right to enter the premises.
Once they had passed through the wood and wire “checkpoints”, visitors listened to guest speakers on Palestine and life under occupation before having a break to wander about the different exhibits.
Visitors’ show bags contained an “identity card” — each card detailed the death of a Palestinian civilian — a replica United Nations Relief & Works Agency (UNRWA) ration card, as well as a single sock and some waste paper so they could make their own makeshift ball, just as Palestinian children do.
Visitors exited via the checkpoints with many leaving messages of solidarity and support on a mock-up “separation” wall.