Who is behind the racist Lions of Zion fight club charity?
Violence broke out during a protest in Melbourne’s CBD as Victoria Police moved on and arrested members of the far-right Jewish club The Lions of Zion (TLOZ).
TLOZ is an organisation that regularly counter-protests against Palestine rallies to ‘reclaim’ Melbourne CBD, and it was not the first time TLOZ had found themselves on the wrong side of the law. Police know the group well.
Co-founder and IDF veteran Yaacov Travitz led the protest from the front, wearing a jacket with the club’s black and white colours. “I’m keeping it simple,” Travitz said. “We stand for three words: unity, courage, and pride.”
A ‘charitable’ fight club
Lions of Zion is a registered organisation with charitable purposes, including fight training. The “fight club” has connections to Nazi groups from Melbourne’s anti-lockdown movement, and appears to model itself on sanctioned terrorist groups abroad.
Before last Sunday’s Palestine rally and counter-protest by TLOZ, Victoria Police said they were aware of the situation and that there would be a “visible police presence at these events.”
“Police have been attempting to engage with the organisers of the counter-protest. However, the group has not been forthcoming with their plans. We ask organisers to engage with police so we can help facilitate a safe and peaceful protest, so it is disappointing to not receive this engagement.”
TLOZ proceeded with their protest anyway. TLOZ co-founder Josh Kelman emailed precise plans and instructions to registrants for the event, and notified them that by registering for the event they “acknowledge that there is a risk involved’.”
“Depart Caulfield Station at 9:46 AM. Proceed from Flinders [Street Station] to Parliament Steps, arriving by 10:21 AM.
“Travel in groups… Conceal any flags, signs, or Israeli paraphernalia until we’re gathered.”
This Sunday, let’s reclaim our city.
In anticipation of TLOZ’s protest potentially breaching the peace, Victoria Police formed a line on the corner of Bourke and Swanston Street, blocking the club’s route. Following an hour of the club facing off with police, they were instructed to move on.
https://michaelwest.com.au/who-is-behind-the-racist-lions-of-zion-fight-club-charity/