Tense stand-off at synagogue despite cancelled protest

Tensions have run high outside a synagogue as pro-Israel supporters gathered to counter a pro-Palestine protest despite the rally being cancelled. A number of pro-Israel demonstrators rallied outside a popular Melbourne synagogue on Monday night even after the planned pro-Palestine protest was formally called off at the 11th hour as organisers cited safety concerns. "This peaceful demonstration has been cancelled due to the threats made by Zionists against protesters," organisers posted on social media. Despite the cancellation, there was a visible police presence near the synagogue in Caulfield North, in Melbourne's southeast, where a sea of Israeli flags far outnumbered the Palestinian flags. Specialist police encircled a small group of pro-Palestine supporters who held anti-Zionist signs saying "nothing is more anti-Semitic than Zionism" in an attempt to keep them from the larger pro-Israel group. The planned demonstration was in response to a planned talk organised by the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council that includes former Israeli justice minister Ayelet Shaked, whose visa into Australia was reportedly rejected. It also comes as Australia's Palestinian community demands for answers after a dentistry student was struck by shrapnel in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Ranem Abu Izneid, 20, was studying in her room on November 15 at Al Quds University in Abu Dis, east of Jerusalem, when she heard gunshots. The Australian citizen said bullets fired by Israeli forces penetrated the window frame and the shrapnel caused severe injuries to her right eye, neck and chest. "I was at home minding my own business," Ms Abu Izneid said from a Melbourne hospital bed on Sunday in a video supplied to AAP by the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association. She said she had suffered mental trauma, remained in physical pain from her eye and was facing many surgeries. "My life has been flipped upside down," Ms Abu Izneid said. "I've lost my right eye and I can't see." An Israel Border Police spokesperson confirmed officers entered Abu Dis that same day to rescue a citizen who was allegedly under attack. "Rioters at the place threw rocks and marble slates on the forces from the roofs of homes and, in that way, endangered their lives," the spokesperson told the ABC. "In response, the forces responded with live fire in order to neutralise the danger." AAP has contacted the Israeli Defence Forces for comment. Ms Abu Izneid was evacuated to Jordan after receiving initial hospital treatment in Jerusalem, and arrived in Melbourne on Sunday for more comprehensive care. "I want to be me again ... I want to be able to see again, I want to be able to achieve my dreams again," Ms Abu Izneid said. "I want a transparent, full investigation on this situation. "I am grateful for the help that I got from the Australian embassies, but it's not enough." The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network described Israeli forces' actions as reckless and demanded unequivocal condemnation and immediate action from the Australian government. "This heinous attack exposes the grim reality of living under Israel's illegal occupation, where even the sanctity of a student's home offers no protection from state-sanctioned brutality," network president Nasser Mashni said. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it provided consular assistance to Ms Abu Izneid in the West Bank and rejected criticism of its handling of the case. "The Australian government is seeking further information about the circumstances of the incident," a spokesperson said. "Consular staff cannot provide medical services or medications, pay for medical costs or query treatment regimens on behalf of Australians overseas." The Australian government's official travel advice, last updated on November 15, warns residents not to travel to the West Bank, except for East Jerusalem, describing the security situation as unpredictable.