Community ‘stands in solidarity’ with Israel
'The Australian Jewish community stands in solidarity with the people of Israel and acknowledges Israel's unequivocal right to self-defense.'
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has joined local community leaders in condemning the escalating violence and shocking terror attacks in Israel, while calling for calm from all parties.
British-Israeli mother Lucy Dee was killed alongside her daughters Maia and Rina in a horrific terrorist shooting in the West Bank, while an Italian tourist was killed in a car ramming terror attack in Tel Aviv on Friday.
The increase in violence over the Pesach holiday follows Israeli police incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to quell rioting, while Hamas terrorists fired volleys of rockets at Israel from Gaza and Lebanon.
“Australia is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Lebanon,” Wong said in a statement. “During this time of Ramadan, Pesach and Easter, we call on all parties to immediately work to halt the violence, exercise restraint and restore calm. Australia condemns unreservedly the indiscriminate rocket attacks from southern Lebanon and Gaza and recognises Israel’s right to defend itself.
“We are shocked by the horrifying news of deadly terror attacks in the West Bank and Tel Aviv and our thoughts go to the victims’ families and the injured. Terrorism and violence against civilians can never be justified.
“Australia calls on all parties to respect and protect the sanctity and status of Jerusalem’s holy sites. Violence at Al Aqsa, including against worshippers, is reprehensible. Security operations must be proportionate and in accordance with international law.
“Events in recent days are urgent reminders of the need for leaders to work together to foster the conditions necessary for tolerance and peace.”
Australia’s ambassador to Israel Ralph King added, “We condemn the rocket attacks into northern and southern Israel, intended to terrorise civilians. Israel has the right to defend its borders and citizens. We urge maximum restraint at this delicate time.”
Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) president Jeremy Leibler said, “As always, the Australian Jewish community stands in solidarity with the people of Israel and acknowledges Israel’s unequivocal right to self-defense. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
AIJAC National Chairman Mark Leibler said, “At a time when Jews should be celebrating Passover, we are instead left sickened by a series of obscene attacks targeting innocent people going about their daily lives – along with much of the nation being forced to seek safety in bomb shelters yet again.”
A Melbourne-based relative of Rabbi Leo Dee, husband of Lucy and father of Maia and Rina, will light a memorial candle at Zionism Victoria’s upcoming Yom Hazikaron commemoration.
Zionism Victoria president Yossi Goldfarb said, “As we honour those who have fallen in defence of Israel or slaughtered in acts of terror, those with ties to our own community are at the forefront of our minds.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Lucy, Maia and Rina at the this time. May their memories be a blessing.”
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