(Daily Telegraph, 20/12/2023)
Darebin Council has been accused of anti-Semitism after councillors voted to boycott companies and suppliers with links to Israel.
Inner-city Darebin Council has voted in favour of boycotting companies with Israeli links, a move described as a throwback to “vile anti-Semitism of the past’’.
The council also proposed to raise the Palestinian flag over Preston Town Hall as part of an urgent motion passed on Monday night.
The motion, put by Gaetano Greco and carried unanimously, called for the council to investigate how to end contracts with “companies and suppliers that support the illegal occupation of Palestine or profit from it, especially companies which supply equipment to the Israeli Defence (sic) Force’’.
The move was slammed by Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory who said it was the latest in a long chain of Jewish discrimination.
“The motion passed by Darebin Council in Victoria recalls vile anti-Semitism of the past.
“Boycotts of Jews and Jewish-produced products have been a major feature of anti-Semitism for time immemorial.’’
Mr Gregory feared the council’s “irresponsible” actions would fuel anti-Semitic attacks.
“It is no surprise that the motion was pushed by the Greens.’’
Cr Greco, who wore a keffiyeh during the meeting, called for a minute’s silence for the more than 18,000 Palestinians and 1200 Israelis who had died in the conflict.
He criticised procedural delays during the sometimes stormy meeting which meant his motion wasn’t heard until after more than four hours.
“This council has an obligation, and I’m hoping that the councillors had read this motion because it’s an important motion that this council takes a stand in the name of our community.’’
Cr Lina Messina said she just wanted peace and “a land where people can walk free’’.
Greens mayor Susanne Newton called a halt to the meeting after the passing of the motion which was greeted with cheers and applause from the public gallery, followed by chants of “free Palestine”.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, described the motion as a “hatchet job’’.
“For Darebin Council, Hamas seems to be the hardest word.
“If a Martian landed on earth and read yesterday’s motion, they would think that the Israelis massacred on October 7 by the bloodthirsty terrorists of Hamas died in an earthquake or tsunami.
“Where is the condemnation of the decapitating of Israeli babies, the rape and murder of women, the shooting of entire families and the killing of the Israeli captives? Where is the call for the release of the 129 Israelis held in Gaza?’’
Dr Abramovich said a Jewish resident of Darebin had been too afraid to attend the meeting.
“This harmful and immoral resolution that supports the antisemitic BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions), reminiscent of the Nazi campaign of ‘Don’t Buy from Jews!” is chock full of the demonisation of Israel.
“It discredits and dishonours the council and will only foment an atmosphere of hostility against the Jewish community and anyone who supports Israel,’’ he said.
A final decision on the boycott and the flag-raising will be considered at the next council meeting.
Neighbouring Merri-bek council in Melbourne’s north voted in November to fly the Palestinian flag over the Coburg Civic Centre.
By Ian Royall