Byron Bay’s serial protestor launches yet another hateful attack on Jewish-owned business
Prominent local anti-Israel activist Gareth Smith has launched a fresh attack on a Jewish-owned business, despite heightened community grief following the Bondi massacre.
Mr Smith this week posted a lengthy statement on the Byron Bay Community Facebook page, singling out Clix Computer Centre and its owner, Nimrod Eshel, in what locals have described as an insensitive escalation at a time when many families are mourning loved ones.
Public demonstrations linked to the Bondi attack have been restricted under NSW emergency provisions, but Mr Smith’s latest actions shifted the dispute online, drawing widespread condemnation.
Mr Smith rejected claims he targets Jewish businesses, saying he had been a long-time customer of Clix and accusing Mr Eshel of criticising his pro-Palestinian views on social media.
The post included inflammatory language about Zionism and accused others of spreading “lies and falsehoods” about him.
Nimrod Eschel
Business owner responds
Mr Eshel responded publicly with a detailed statement, saying he had left the community Facebook page years earlier because it fostered division rather than resolution.
He said Mr Smith had always been treated courteously as a customer and that he deliberately avoided political discussion inside his workplace.
“We all share our lives in a small town,” Mr Eshel wrote.
“Be kind to your neighbours, treat them with respect and try not to harm them or their livelihoods.”
Mr Eshel asked that he and his family not be drawn into future posts and said he had no intention of continuing the dispute publicly.
Strong community reaction
The exchange triggered dozens of comments, many of them strongly supportive of the Marvell St business owner and sharply critical of Mr Smith.
One commenter alleged Mr Smith had harassed Jewish and Israeli people and businesses in the region for many years, writing:
“I have lived in the shire for 37 plus years and heard about you annoying the Jewish Israeli community since many, many years ago.”
The same commenter questioned Mr Smith’s selective boycotts, adding:
“I wonder if your computer has Israeli Zionist-made parts in it — I bet it does,” before concluding:
“Stop crying victim and playing Mr innocent … the only difference now is that you are finally being called out.”
Mr Smith has not responded to specific allegations raised by commenters.
Wider pattern alleged
Ballina News Daily has previously reported on Mr Smith’s protests outside a Jewish-owned business in Ballina, including an incident on River Street just three days after the Bondi Junction killings, which drew widespread community condemnation.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has confirmed she has received repeated complaints about Mr Smith’s conduct across the region.
Cr Cadwallader said she had been provided information alleging Mr Smith targeted a Jewish-owned business in Brunswick Heads over an extended period.
She said she was told the business owner later took their own life.
It is not suggested Mr Smith was responsible for that death.
Cr Cadwallader stressed that suicide is complex and typically involves multiple contributing factors.
However, she said the alleged conduct raised serious concerns about cumulative pressure placed on individuals and small businesses.
“Behaviour that deliberately targets people or their livelihoods at such sensitive times creates unrest in our community,” she said.
Police complaints and next steps
Cr Cadwallader said complaints had previously been raised with authorities, but responses were often limited by existing laws.
She said recent legislative changes and increased police focus on hate speech and intimidation may provide stronger options in future.
Gareth Smith’s response to Ballina News Daily when approached with his protest car adjacent to the Jewish-owned Tel Aviv Yafo cafe on River St Ballina, just three days after the Bondi massacre
Mr Eshel told Ballina News Daily he does not intend to pursue legal action but said the Facebook post crossed a line by publicly dragging his business and family into a political dispute.
“I don’t have an issue with people holding opinions,” he said.
“I do have an issue with harming people’s livelihoods in a small, close-knit community.”
As with earlier incidents, Ballina News Daily understands the latest post has prompted an outpouring of public support for the targeted business.
Our earlier story, including a a further response from Mr Smith, can be found here:
