Letters to the editor
No humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Your article (“Sydney activist jailed in Israel”, November 10) about Michael Coleman being detained after his boat was intercepted near Gaza was inaccurate. Mathilde Redmatn, deputy director of the Red Cross in Gaza, stated categorically that there “is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. If you go to the supermarket, there are products.”
The Palmer report, by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer, declared that “Israel faces a real threat to its security from militant groups in Gaza. The naval blockade was imposed as a legitimate security measure to prevent weapons entering Gaza by sea. Its implementation complied with the requirements of international law.”
The report urged that all efforts to take humanitarian aid to Gaza be done “through established procedures and the designated land crossings in consultation with the government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority”. It questioned the motives of flotilla organisers, acknowledged the threat from Hamas and said “Israel was entitled to take reasonable steps to prevent the influx of weapons into Gaza”.
Vic Alhadeff
Chief Executive Officer, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies
Mayor chastised over manners
On November 5 I attended a meeting outside our neighbours’ residence, regarding their application for off street parking.
Our neighbours have spent their time, and money, applying for this parking and the least they deserve is to have their request heard in an open and amicable manner.
The Mayor, John Wakefield, who chaired the discussion on site, was unnecessarily rude and extremely dismissive. I understand the need for these hearings to run to a schedule, however this need not mean they be run in the disgusting manner which I witnessed.
After the whirlwind meeting, Wallis Pde residents were left shocked by his terrible behavior. The Mayor has certainly lost my respect and my support for the future.
I would hope that regardless of their political persuasion, the other councillors present would agree that his behavior was deplorable. For someone in public office I would expect much better deportment.
Cr. Wakefield owes our neighbours a personal apology for his disgusting and intimidating behavior!
Caro Pasvolsky
North Bondi
Letters to the editor should be submitted to:
bondiview@alternativemediagroup.com
