Councillor’s ‘foreign policy’ fears
Gencher expressed "great disappointment" that he will not be able to continue on council.
A Jewish councillor who will not be able to recontest his seat on Northern Beaches Council in light of the Liberal party preselections bungle has expressed concerns over the direction the council may take without any Liberal Party representation.
Michael Gencher, who is also the Australian executive director of Israel advocacy group StandWithUs, was elected to the council as an independent for Pittwater Ward in 2021. Earlier this year he joined the Liberal party and gained its endorsement.
Gencher expressed “great disappointment” that he will not be able to continue on council.
“I have always been passionate about representing my community, advocating for their needs and ensuring their voices are heard. To lose that opportunity this time around is both frustrating and heartbreaking,” he said.
While he noted the Northern Beaches area “has not been immune” to rising antisemitism, in the council chambers he said he had not had to contend with colleagues “who believe their role extends to passing motions on foreign affairs”.
“However, with the recent upheaval involving the NSW Liberal Party state executive, the political landscape of the Northern Beaches Council is poised for a seismic shift. With no Liberal candidates endorsed for the upcoming election, the council is likely to be led by Teal independents and the Greens,” he said.
“This shift deeply concerns me. Without a balanced council, I fear we may soon join the growing list of councils across the country that, despite their local focus, feel emboldened to weigh in on foreign policy – particularly regarding Israel.”
Gencher said the thought of the council being led by representatives “who may not fully grasp the nuances of international affairs” is troubling, especially in light of the rise in antisemitism.
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip expressed sympathy to the Liberal councillors who will be unable to run due to the error.
“We particularly thank those councillors who worked closely with the Jewish community during their tenure for their support,” he said.
“Given recent events, it is critically important that members of the Jewish community exercise careful judgement when casting their vote at this year’s local government election.”
Meanwhile, a new initiative “Better Council”, which is being led by young professionals and promoted by Together With Israel, is encouraging voters to “put the Greens last”.
The group, which says Greens councillors “have failed to serve the best interests of their communities”, is focused on the local government areas of Waverley, Woollahra, Randwick and Inner West.
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