Federal Court to rule on ‘River to the Sea’ meaning in Mary Kostakidis anti-Semitism case

·

A Federal Court case brought by Zionist Federation of Australia CEO Alon Cassuto against former SBS newsreader Mary Kostakidis will examine whether the phrase “from the river to the sea” denies Israel’s right to exist and if criticism of Israel can be considered anti-Semitic.

The case stems from a January 2023 social media post by Kostakidis which reshared a speech by late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and was captioned “The Israeli govt getting some of its own medicine.” In the video, Nasrallah tells Israeli dual citizens to leave the region, claiming they have no future “from the river to the sea.”

Cassuto argues the post promoted anti-Semitic ideas under the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition, and that Kostakidis should have explicitly disavowed the speech. His legal team cites 61 additional tweets, including references to conspiracy theories involving Mossad.

Kostakidis previously issued an apology and claims the lawsuit is an attempt to silence criticism of Israel. She has since fundraised her defence and will be represented by XD Law & Advocacy.

In a statement to The Australian, Kostakidis said she “won’t be intimidated.”

“The Australian Zionist Federation is weaponising Australian law in an attempt to curb criticism of Israel for its acts of genocide. I won’t be intimidated by them in the face of the slaughter of tens of thousands of children, hundreds of doctors, nurses, journalists and other civilians,” ­she said in the statement.

Cassuto is seeking an apology, legal costs, and a finding that section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act was breached.

Source: The Australian.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Ross Paraskevas’ AI creation revolutionises education across Australia

AI expert Ross Paraskevas is reshaping education with his creation, TeachingBlox - a learning platform that personalises study experiences

Two Greek cities ranked among Europe’s most dangerous

Greece’s two largest cities, Athens and Thessaloniki, have been listed among the most dangerous cities in Europe.

Greek Australian Jono Petrohilos leads global fitness education evolution

Greek-Australian entrepreneur Jono Petrohilos shares how he turned his passion for fitness into a global education success story.

Greek Film Festival makes historic debut in Western Sydney

History was made in Parramatta as the 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney held its official Western Sydney opening at the Riverside Theatres,

Brisbane Roar’s Georgios Vrakas eyes Socceroos future

Brisbane Roar’s new midfielder Georgios Vrakas says he would “love to play for Australia” as he prepares for his A-League debut.

You May Also Like

Vasili’s Taxidi: How Shops like Waratah Florists Become Local Icons

Waratah Florists is now the longest-running Greek business in the Greek ‘village’, Earlwood.

Greatest Greek philosophers of all time: Plato

Each month, a different Greek philosopher will be chosen to look at their most famous quotes and deconstruct them for modern understanding.

New GOCSA President Peter Ppiros discusses unity and future priorities

Peter Ppiros, the newly elected President of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia, brings a wealth of experience to his role.