Sydney councils are in turmoil over the Israel-Hamas war, with local councillors facing criticism over attitudes towards the October 7 terrorist attacks and the flying of Israeli and Palestinian flags.
Liberal councillor Leon Goltsman said those were weasel words. “You are not the victim. It’s not about you,” he said. “Shame on those people that don’t stand up to terrorism. If you don’t stand up against them then you’re with them as far as I’m concerned.” “Consistent with the objective of maintaining social harmony, the City should not display any partisan symbols associated with the current conflict,” Moore said in a mayoral minute.
This month’s attack on Israel is not the first time Sydney councils have been embroiled in Middle East tensions – the former Marrickville Council was strongly criticised by business and political leaders in 2011 over itsFrom drag queen storytime in local libraries to changing the date of Australia Day, local councils have regularly become caught up in contentious issues and attracted the ire of political leaders who say councillors should stick to roads, rates and rubbish.