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.
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.
