Premier Mike Baird is resisting strong pressure to expel Community Relations Commission chairman Vic Alhadeff, whose controversial comments over the Israel-Gaza conflict have ruptured goodwill between Sydney’s Muslim and Jewish communities. The refusal came just hours before Thursday night’s Iftar dinner at NSW Parliament House, hosted by Mr Baird to mark the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. Arab and Muslim groups intend to boycott the event, saying they will not “break bread” and celebrate interfaith harmony while Mr Alhadeff remains head of the commission. Full confidence: Premier Mike Baird. Full confidence: Premier Mike Baird. Photo: Dominic Lorrimer The furore was triggered a fortnight ago when Mr Alhadeff, who is also chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, sent an email to the Jewish community accusing Palestinians of war crimes against Israel during fighting around Gaza. Advertisement The email appeared to ignore Israel’s contribution to the conflict, which has so far killed more than 600 Palestinians and 29 Israelis. Read more: smh.au/nsw/vic-alhadeff-gaza-comments-controversy-premier-mike-baird-wont-budge-20140724-zwbq5.html#ixzz38NWapfS8
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:56:44 +0000
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