Sydney Mayor Clover Moore has been accused by the IDF of standing with Hamas over her refusal to hoist the Israeli flag at Town Hall and illuminate the building.
Ms Moore defended her decision and in exclusive statements provided to SkyNews.com.au doubled down on her refusal to engage in one-sided gestures.
Ms Moore opposed the motion pushed by Liberal Councillor Shauna Jarrett over fears the move would be harmful and fuel divide within the community, the Sydney Morning Herald reported ahead of the council meeting on Monday.
She instead brought forward her own motion which would encourage the council to reach out to leaders of both the Jewish and Muslim community, citing her refusal to take sides.
Israeli Defence Force spokesperson Jonathan Conricus came out with harsh remarks over Ms Moore’s decision, declaring Sydney should “stand with Israel against evil”.
“One should take sides and choose according to your own morals where you stand,” he told ABC Radio Melbourne on Monday.
“If you stand with an organisation that sent thousands or more armed men into sovereign country in order to execute, burn alive, rape, butcher, mutilate and behead civilians – more than a thousand of them – if you decide that you want to take a stand… and you are supporting that, that’s where you stand.
“Those are your morals and that is how you will go down in history.”
Ms Moore, however, maintained her commitment to standing alongside the Muslim and Jewish community who she said had both suffered in the long-running conflict.
“We condemn war, terrorism and violence in any form,” she said in a statement to SkyNews.com.au.
“I hope that leaders can find a path to peace where the cycle of violence in this region is ended and neither Israelis or Palestinians have to live in fear and at risk of harm or death.
“Now more than ever it is vital we reflect our values of diversity, solidarity and inclusivity. There is no place for violence, discrimination or expressions of hate in our city. Antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in our city.”
The Sydney Mayor said there has been a “measurable rise” in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents and stressed “the city should not display any partisan symbols associated with the current conflict”.
Her nonpartisan stance aligned with advice from ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess, who earlier this month called on leaders to consider the social implications of making public remarks on the unfolding conflict in the Middle East.
He raised concerns that “inflamed language” may fuel divide within the community and create a “potential for opportunistic violence”.
Sydney witnessed shocking scenes at a pro-Palestine rally earlier this month after some protesters allegedly chanted “kill the Jews”, lit fireworks and burned the Israel flag outside the Opera House - which was lit blue and white.
Protest organisers have maintained those behind the alleged incidents did not represent the cause and have since pulled off successful and peaceful demonstrations across the city.
Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,400 civilians and taking another 200 hostage.
Israel retaliated with the unrelenting bombing and siege of Gaza, where one million children call home.
More than 4,700 Palestinians have been killed and another 13,000 are injured with the death toll feared to climb as Israel pledged to intensify attacks.
The United Nations has warned the enclave is on the brink of a catastrophic humanitarian disaster, as Palestinians displaced and sheltering from strikes are cut off from water, food, electricity and fuel.
The Israeli Defence Force spokesperson, however, defended Israel as a “democratic, free, sovereign state that is defending itself against such horrendous crimes” and were not the “aggressors”.
“Good people need to take a stand… we are now defending itself so if you cant take a stand with that then I think there is something very wrong with your morals,” Mr Conricus told ABC Radio Melbourne.
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2023-10-23 03:11:24Z
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