Steve Christou takes stance on Cumberland Council’s support of Palestine

·

Cumberland Council’s decision to fund a public art installation honouring Palestinian victims of the Middle East conflict has sparked significant debate, with Independent Councillor Steve Christou among those questioning its inclusivity and appropriateness for local government.

At a council meeting on Wednesday, November 13, Mayor Ola Hamed introduced a motion expressing solidarity with Palestine, advocating for a ceasefire, and requesting the foreign affairs minister recognise the council’s stance on Gaza. Independent Councillor Ahmed Ouf reportedly drafted a more radical version, but it was toned down by the mayor.

Cr Christou challenged the council’s focus, arguing it failed to acknowledge Israeli victims.

“We seem to be acknowledging the plight of the Palestinian people, but we’re not acknowledging there are also Israeli victims as well,” he said.

Citing the suffering on both sides, he called for a “common sense” approach and supported Liberal Councillor Paul Garrard’s proposal to include Israel in the discussion.

“There’s no discrimination – people are people, blood is blood. Both communities have innocent victims,” Christou stated, advocating compassion for all.

Photo: Max Mason-Hubers.

Liberal Councillor Joseph Rahme criticised the council’s engagement with international issues, urging it to concentrate on local matters such as “rates, roads, and rubbish.” Similarly, Councillor Helen Hughes acknowledged the tragedy of deaths in both Palestine and Israel but questioned the appropriateness of the council taking a stance.

The mayoral motion was later amended to include Lebanon, recognising the suffering of Lebanese civilians affected by the conflict. Despite this addition, Councillors Christou and Garrard opposed the revised proposal.

The council also approved a cost-free event for the Palestinian Australians’ Welfare Association at Holroyd Gardens on November 29, coinciding with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. A budget allocation was made to develop a concept for the art installation.

Cumberland’s decision mirrors similar moves by other councils. Last October, Canterbury-Bankstown Council flew the Palestinian flag until a ceasefire was declared, while Woollahra and Waverley councils, located in areas with significant Jewish populations, recently approved permanent public artworks commemorating Israeli victims of Hamas attacks.

The proposal has highlighted deep divisions within Cumberland Council and prompted broader discussions about the role of local government in addressing international conflicts.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Thousands march in Athens to mark 50 years since Polytechnic Uprising

More than 25,000 peopled marched in Athens, Greece on Friday, November 17 to mark 50 years since the Athens Polytechnic Uprising.

Federal election called for 3 May as Anthony Albanese seeks second term

Australian PM Anthony Albanese has officially called a federal election for 3 May, giving Australians just over five weeks to decide.

Cookbook author Meni Valle brings Ikaria to Australia

Meni Valle is a Melbourne based food educator and the author of several best-selling Greek Mediterranean cookbooks.