Israel Seventy-Fifth Independence Day

The Hon. NATALIE WARD (20:56:54):

I move:

(1)That this House notes that:

(a)on Wednesday 3 May 2023 a celebration of Israel's seventy-fifth independence day was held and attended by:

(i)the Premier, Chris Minns, MP;

(ii)the Leader of the Opposition, Mark Speakman, MP;

(iii)Israel's Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Amir Maimon;

(iv)former Prime Minister and member for Cook, Scott Morrison, MP;

(v)Attorney General Michael Daley;

(vi)Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW, and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty;

(vii)Minister for Local Government and Leader of the House, Ron Hoenig;

(viii)Minister for Multiculturalism, Lands and Property, Sport and Small Business, Steve Kamper;

(ix)member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali;

(x)member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O'Neill;

(xi)member for Davidson, Matt Cross;

(xii)member for Drummoyne, Stephanie Di Pasqua;

(xiii)member for Hornsby, Matt Kean;

(xiv)member for Miranda, Eleni Petinos;

(xv)member for Oatley, Mark Coure;

(xvi)member for Prospect, Dr Hugh McDermott;

(xvii)member for Parramatta, Donna Davis;

(xviii)member for Ryde, Jordan Lane;

(xix)member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson;

(xx)member for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane;

(xxi)member for Wahroonga, Alister Henskens;

(xxii)member for Willoughby, Tim James;

(xxiii)former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Jonathan O'Dea;

(xxiv)the Hon. Mark Banasiak, MLC;

(xxv)the Hon. Greg Donnelly, MLC;

(xxvi)the Hon. Ben Franklin, MLC;

(xxvii)the Hon. Jacqui Munro, MLC;

(xxviii)the Hon. Bob Nanva, MLC;

(xxix)the Hon. Chris Rath, MLC; and

(xxx)the Hon. Natalie Ward, MLC;

(b)the event was hosted by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark and President David Ossip, the Zionist Federation of Australia, the Zionist Council of NSW, and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry;

(c)the 75 years of statehood partnership was celebrated, as well as acknowledging the friendship of Australia and Israel and our fundamental belief in freedom, justice and peace; and

(d)Israel is a nation born out of the Holocaust, has grown and survived against the odds and is now a nation of free, ambitious and prosperous people.

(2)That this House recognises Israel's 75 years of independence and congratulates this achievement.

I acknowledge the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration of the State of Israel, hosted by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies on Wednesday 3 May. It was a wonderful display of multiculturalism and bipartisan support for the Jewish State. I had great pleasure in attending the function, as did many members of this place. I thank them for their support. I particularly acknowledge the chief executive officer of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Mr Darren Bark, who is well known to many members in this place, as well as the president, Mr David Ossip, for putting on the event and for the important work that they do in building harmony and fostering closer relations between all faith groups in New South Wales.

We live in one of the most harmonious multicultural places in the world. It is thanks to organisations such as the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies that our State remains what it is today—an inclusive and cohesive place that welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds and religious beliefs. The event was not only a celebration of a strong democracy in the Middle East but also a celebration of the diversity and multiculturalism in New South Wales. The event highlighted the strong and unique bond between our communities, faiths and cultures, which we should all be immensely proud of. I echo the sentiments of our party leader, Mr Mark Speakman, who paid tribute to the board at the independence day reception. He said:

You've stood in the face of discrimination, vandalism, antisemitism, unacceptable social behaviour targeted at your community. But from building community relations to investment in education and social justice, and the ever-growing need for remembrance of the Holocaust, your organisation has played a vital part in our social fabric. I am proud to express my thanks to Darren, David and the team at the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies for all that they do. I commend the motion to the House knowing that several members of the State and Federal parliaments as well as representatives from an enormous number of faith communities, ambassadors and consuls-general from various countries also attended.

In particular, it was an honour to be in the presence of Holocaust survivors at the independence day celebration. Israel was born out of the horrors of the Holocaust as a safe haven for the innocent men, women and children who had experienced the most unthinkable atrocities known to man. Australia is home to the second‑largest percentage of Holocaust survivors in the world; Israel is the only country with a larger percentage of survivors. Many of those brave survivors settled in New South Wales, making a new life for themselves and enriching our communities, learning a new language, entering the workplace, starting families and contributing all they can to our great State and, ultimately, making it the wonderful cohesive and inclusive multicultural community that it is today. Having had the great privilege of serving so many of our multicultural communities as the former multiculturalism Minister, I pay tribute to those survivors and thank them all for the incredible work they do, particularly at the Sydney Jewish Museum, in ensuring that the horrors of the past are never forgotten and for ensuring that the next generation is informed and educated about the dangers of racism to everyone in our community, and where hate speech and discrimination can ultimately lead.

I am proud that the previous Liberal-Nationals Government gave more than $6 million to the Sydney Jewish Museum to help upgrade its educational facilities for school students for the next generation. This is of enormous importance. I am also proud to see the bipartisan support for the Sydney Jewish Museum to invest in the education of our children and their children. As the number of Holocaust survivors in our communities sadly dwindles, we must cherish every moment we have with them. Without their eyewitness accounts, it is impossible to understand the brutality of the Holocaust and what humanity can be capable of. Our survivors are a shining light to all of us, and we are so lucky and privileged to be in their presence. I encourage members in this place to visit the Sydney Jewish Museum and meet with a survivor. It will be a moving and eye-opening experience and one that anyone will remember for many years to come. Finally, I congratulate the State of Israel on its seventy‑fifth anniversary. I look forward to celebrating with the Jewish community at Israel's next independence day function. With that, I commend the motion to the House.

The Hon. DANIEL MOOKHEY (Treasurer) (21:01:50):

The Government will be supporting the motion as moved by the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party. I also convey our congratulations to Israel on the occasion of the seventy-fifth anniversary of its independence. On Wednesday 3 May 2023 the community gathered with many prominent leaders who are mentioned in the motion to indeed affirm and celebrate that achievement. I join with the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in acknowledging the outstanding role played by the Jewish Board of Deputies and my good friend Darren Bark and David Ossip; I saw Darren last night at the Modi event. The Jewish Board of Deputies plays an excellent role in organising faith-based communities of all faiths across this State.

As a practitioner of the Hindu faith, I take this opportunity to acknowledge the fact that recently a mandir of ours was subjected to a graffiti incident, which is currently being investigated by the New South Wales police. The support of the Jewish community, as well as the Islamic community and the Sikh community, and the solidarity shown by faith communities to each other when each and every one of them comes under this type of attack is a model example of interfaith harmony. I very much acknowledge the Jewish Board of Deputies' support in that community.

Australia was one of the 37 nations that formally voted in favour of Israel joining the United Nations. Indeed, as I said last year when we were reflecting on the seventy-fourth anniversary of Israel's independence, I believe Dr H. V. Evatt was the president of the general assembly who presided over that resolution and presided over the debates that were taking place in the United Nations at that time. I again take this opportunity as Treasurer to reflect on the deep and developing economic relationship between our State and the State of Israel as well as the exchange that takes place between Australian business, New South Wales business and Israeli business. As we do every year, we should reflect on the fact that Israel, which is a small country, has become a tech powerhouse and is showing the world how innovation should be done. There are many lessons that we can learn about its industry policy. NSW Labor supports a fair and just two-State solution, and we hope and pray that one day there will be two States living side by side in peace, harmony and economic prosperity.

The Hon. ROBERT BORSAK (21:04:33):

On behalf of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, I speak in support of the motion. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the State of Israel. It is a privilege to recognise the remarkable achievements and enduring resilience of the Israeli people over the past seven and a half decades. Israel's journey as a nation is a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination of its citizens. From the early pioneers who transformed the desert into flourishing agricultural landscapes to the trailblazing innovators who have propelled Israel to the forefront of technological advancement, the State of Israel has exemplified the triumph of human ingenuity and perseverance. I am pleased to show my support for the Parliamentary Friends of Israel group and its commendable efforts in promoting understanding, cooperation and friendship between New South Wales and the State of Israel.

In an increasingly interconnected world, it is imperative that we forge strong ties with nations that share our values of democracy, freedom and human rights. Israel, a vibrant democracy in the heart of the Middle East, stands as a beacon of hope and progress in a region that is often plagued with conflict and instability. The Parliamentary Friends of Israel group has played an important role in fostering this friendship between our State and their nation. Its dedication to strengthening diplomatic, cultural and economic ties has had a positive impact on the bilateral relationship. By organising dialogues, events and forums, the group brought together leaders, scholars and citizens to engage in meaningful discussions and explore avenues for collaboration. Israel, a nation borne out of adversity, has triumphed against all odds and has built a thriving economy, robust technological sector and vibrant cultural heritage. By supporting the Parliamentary Friends of Israel group, we acknowledge Israel's remarkable achievements and recognise the enormous potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.

As members of the New South Wales Parliament, it is incumbent on us to support initiatives that foster global understanding, tolerance and cooperation and, especially, a rules-based world supported by our democratic values. The Parliamentary Friends of Israel group embodies those principles, and its work is a testament to the power of friendship and collaboration. I look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds between New South Wales and Israel, celebrating our shared values and working towards a better future for our State and other nations of the world. I am not sure that I will be around for Israel's 100th birthday, but in advance of that date I wish it happy birthday.

The Hon. CHRIS RATH (21:07:15):

I thank the Hon. Natalie Ward for bringing this motion forward. I reflect on the fact that it was brought up as a private member's motion because it was objected to in formal business where it could have gone through without debate. It was objected to, so we have decided to put it forward as an item for private members' business. I find it totally bizarre that it would be objected to. It is a completely innocuous but important motion that this Parliament should celebrate and be aware of. I did not realise that the promotion of freedom, justice and peace was a controversial matter.

I remind those who oppose the State of Israel that it was not created as a product of imperial sentiment or violent colonialism but instead one of necessity following the abomination of the Holocaust. For centuries the Jewish people were ostracised, despised and subject to the most abhorrent forms of ethnic cleansing known on the historical record. They had no physical homeland, nor any security of life or liberty. As the motion acknowledges, Israel has survived against the odds and is now a nation of free people. I emphasise that freedom. No State in the Middle East has done more for LGBTI rights, for racial and women's equality and for other human rights than Israel. Undoubtedly, that truth disturbs those who would oppose the motion. They often choose to portray the Israeli State as a symbol of oppression.

I invite those who speak against the motion or who object to the motion to recognise that celebrating Israeli independence is not incompatible with a peaceable, two-State solution in the region. Indeed, any such solution is simply not possible without the recognition of two independent States, Israel and Palestine. However, some people would simply prefer that Israel not exist. I strongly condemn any such view and its antisemitic overtones. The Jewish people, in culture and identity, have an inseparable link to the nation of Israel. Having attended the anniversary on 3 May, I can confirm that it was a celebration of peace and Israeli identity. The event was diametrically opposed to notions of hatred and violence. I thank the organisers from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, CEO Darren Bark and President David Ossip; the Zionist Federation of Australia; the Zionist Council of NSW; and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry for hosting the event. Happy seventy-fifth anniversary, Israel.

Ms ABIGAIL BOYD (21:10:18):

On 15 May 1948 the Israeli Declaration of Independence was proclaimed. The Palestinian people commemorate this day as Al Nakba, which is Arabic for "the catastrophe". That occurred following a years-long campaign of massacres, bombings, looting, land confiscation and the destruction of entire towns, which were committed against the Palestinian people, killing around 15,000 Palestinians and making refugees of another 800,000 by 1949. Some 75 years later, the atrocities committed against the Palestinian people continue. The catastrophe continues. Israel continues to advance upon the Palestinian people who remain on their ancestral lands. Israel has used a raft of discriminatory planning and residency laws to shrink the Palestinian population that lives under Israeli occupation and claim for itself the property of those who have been forced out.

Amnesty International data shows that over the past 50 years, more than 50,000 Palestinian homes in Gaza and the West Bank have been destroyed, and since 1987 more than 10,200 Palestinians have been killed. The 5.5 million Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank are denied the right to vote, and the more than 5.2 million registered Palestinian refugees are denied their inalienable right to return home. For the past 75 years many Palestinians have kept the keys to the houses they were forced out of, waiting for their right to return to their homes to be honoured. But with the most right-wing Government in Israel's history now in power, and with Netanyahu returned to his prime ministership in December, Israel has doubled down on its attempts to destroy the Palestinian people.

Two days ago three Palestinians were killed during a raid on a refugee camp as seven homes in the camp were destroyed. Earlier this month 33 Palestinians were killed and more than 90 injured in Israeli air raids on Gaza. At the same time a primary school in the West Bank was razed and 50 villagers were injured as they sought to prevent the school's destruction. In February 11 Palestinians were killed and a further 82 were shot. Over 100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and more than 150 have been left homeless just this year. The catastrophe continues. The facts I state today are not radical. Those devastating truths are well documented and strongly condemned by the world's leading human rights organisations and the United Nations.

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has documented the demolition of homes and destruction of property, the excessive use of force by security forces, mass incarceration, settler violence, restrictions of movement and limitations on access to livelihoods, basic necessities, services and humanitarian assistance. In October last year the commission of inquiry found that the continued occupation of Gaza and the West Bank is illegal, and the coercive environment created by Israel's occupation means that Palestinians, and in particular Palestinian women and children, are having their human rights curtailed. Further, it found that policies and actions taken by Israel may constitute international crimes including war crimes. Paragraph (1) (d) of the motion is factually incorrect. The Greens cannot support the celebration of the creation of an apartheid State.

The Hon. SCOTT FARLOW (21:13:29):

After that kumbaya, I make a contribution to debate on the motion. I stand in solidarity with the Israeli people to celebrate its seventy-fifth independence day. No nation on this planet has had its right to exist questioned as much as Israel. Throughout its 75 years, Israel's survival has been questioned repeatedly. In his contribution to debate the Hon. Robert Borsak said he hoped to be here for its 100th anniversary and celebration. If we look at ancient Judea and Samaria we find that the Jewish people have had a connection to that land for thousands of years, and yet they are still under threat every day.

I attended the celebration of the seventy-fifth independence day as a civilian, during my brief period of unemployment. As a former chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Israel, I congratulate the Hon. Natalie Ward on her return to the position of co-chair, alongside Ms Marjorie O'Neill in the other place, and the Hon. Robert Borsak on his role as treasurer. Israel is a wonderful country and, as His Excellency Amir Maimon pointed out to the assembled crowd at the anniversary, we must talk about the celebration that is Israel. We must talk about the nation, which is a beacon in the Middle East. It is a multicultural, multiracial nation. As the Hon. Chris Rath pointed out, it is the most liberal nation in the Middle East. It is a democratic nation.

In her contribution to debate Ms Abigail Boyd raised the difficulties of democracy in Israel. It has had to go to elections on successive occasions in order to form government. People are free to protest in the streets in that country. People are free to protest the arrangements of the current administration in Israel, and they are doing so with great force, as the State has responded by pausing those changes to its judiciary. People are taking to the streets with great patriotism for their country, for the future of their country and for what their country means. That has been reported as a renaissance in the thinking and protection of Israel as a nation.

Israel does not celebrate this anniversary in an era of safety. Just a week after we celebrated Israel's seventy‑fifth birthday, it came under attack. Thousands of rockets came into Israel from Gaza, headed to places like Sderot, which I have visited. In those places parents must choose which child they will take to the bomb shelter in their home. In those places children's playgrounds have become makeshift bomb shelters because of what they are subjected to every day. However, because of Israel's great technological advancements the Iron Dome has of course given it some safety. I say happy birthday, Israel, and may you reign for many more years to come.

The Hon. ANTHONY D'ADAM (21:16:49):

I make a contribution to debate on the motion. First of all I take issue with the notion that moving this motion in some way contributes to community harmony and unity. It is disingenuous to pretend that this motion is anything more than a provocation. It is a provocation to the Palestinian people who live in my community and have suffered as a consequence of the establishment of the State of Israel. There is no question. Those people live in this community. They are part of this community as well. Their voice is just as legitimate as the voice of the Jewish community.

Knowing the controversy that surrounds the establishment of the State of Israel for that segment of our community, to move this motion is a provocation, and it is a very poor reflection on the Hon. Natalie Ward's position. It is essential that, in a discussion about Israel, the Palestinian perspective is put on record. Israel was established and Palestine was erased as a consequence of that. We would not talk in this place about the establishment of the European settlement in Australia without acknowledging the impact that had on the Indigenous population in this country. By bringing forward a motion that makes no mention of that fact, members have erased it, which is a truly dishonest approach to take in this Parliament.

Time expired.

Since 1967, five million people have effectively been rendered de facto subjects of the Israeli State and they have no rights. They have no right to their own State. They have no right to their own identity. The fact this persists—that they are denied their right to statehood, their right to their own identity—is something that should be reflected in a motion like this. []

The Hon. WES FANG (21:20:04):

I acknowledge the previous contribution of the Hon. Anthony D'Adam, but I associate myself with the motion of the Hon. Natalie Ward. I celebrate 75 years of Israeli independence and I congratulate the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies for its exceptional event on 3 May to mark that anniversary. It was a wonderful event that celebrated peace and love. It is particularly important to acknowledge the people who attended and contributed to that event. I move:

That the question be amended by inserting after paragraph (1) (a) (xxx):

(xxxi)The Hon. Scott Farlow, MLC.

I make this contribution and move this amendment while acknowledging somebody who is no longer in this place but who was also a strong supporter of Israel and the Jewish community: the Hon. Walt Secord. A good friend of mine, he was probably the oil to my water. Despite having a lot of differences, we saw eye to eye on so many things. I know he was a strong supporter of the Jewish people. I congratulate him on his appointment to his new role helping to support the Australian-Jewish relationship. With those brief remarks, and with the amendment that I have moved, I will cease my contribution there. But I acknowledge once again the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and its CEO, Darren Bark, for what was a fantastic event on 3 May. Long may Israel continue to provide peace and security in the region.

The Hon. STEPHEN LAWRENCE (21:23:08):

On balance, I do support the motion moved by the Hon. Natalie Ward and will certainly be voting for it. But I think it is appropriate to note that the seventy‑fifth anniversary of the State of Israel also marks the catastrophe that befell the Palestinian people. It would be quite wrong, I think, not to note that in speaking on this motion. You cannot in any way untwine these two issues. Some of the things that have been said tonight by members seek to deliberately ignore that history, and I do think that is quite wrong. It is very easy to buy into the Israel‑Palestine issue in a way that seeks to brandish some credentials that you seek to portray to perhaps appeal to people in your constituency and position yourself in a particular way. I am not going to do that, but I am not going to vote for the motion without noting the objective history.

Members have heard, of course, that Israel is a democracy and a leading nation in so many ways. But such things are not a prerequisite to have the legitimacy to exist as a nation. I have spent time living in the Palestinian territories in the West Bank. I can inform the House that the people living there are a legitimate people too. They have a legitimate society and community. I do not think any member of the House could deny that a catastrophe befell those people upon the formation of the State of Israel. I do not think anyone could plausibly deny that.

There is an aspect of insensitivity, in the context of that quite incontrovertible truth, to put or speak to a motion that does not at least acknowledge that, particularly in circumstances where many Palestinian people live in this city, in our State and in our nation. They suffer, in their own way, the legacy of these things. During my time in the West Bank I witnessed the fact that people who lived kilometres from Jerusalem could not visit Jerusalem. They do not have the right to vote for the Government that controls the occupying power. These things are not political statements one brandishes to establish credentials. They are incontrovertible truths, and it is important to note them when you speak on a motion such as this.

The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (21:26:00):

I congratulate the State of Israel on its seventy‑fifth year of independence and commend the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies on the fantastic cocktail reception it hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel on Wednesday 3 May. More than 600 people attended the event, including representatives from an enormous number of faith communities as well as consuls-general from various countries. It was also attended by dozens of my parliamentary colleagues from both sides of the House. This is a testament to the important work and contribution of the Jewish community and the high regard in which it is held here in New South Wales.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Rod Roberts):

Order! Pursuant to standing orders debate is interrupted to allow the mover of the motion to speak in reply.

The Hon. NATALIE WARD (21:27:09):

In reply: I thank all honourable members for their contributions. I will be brief. I thank the Treasurer for his contribution. He is a shining example of multiculturalism in our Parliament. I thank the Hon. Robert Borsak, the newly minted treasurer of the Parliamentary Friends of Israel, which was re‑formed today.

The Hon. Daniel Mookhey:

His job is bigger!

The Hon. NATALIE WARD:

It's a tougher job. I thank the Opposition Whip, Chris Rath, who eloquently summarised some of the issues; Ms Abigail Boyd; the Hon. Scott Farlow—to whom the amendment of the Hon. Wes Fang is directed—who was obviously there at the event and is the former chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Israel; the Hon. Anthony D'Adam, whose comments I will address; the Hon. Wes Fang, who I thank for his amendment; the Hon. Stephen Lawrence; and the Hon. Aileen MacDonald. I want to be clear that this motion has no underhanded purpose other than to recognise an event that was held. I put that on the record to be clear to the House and to my colleagues. I can absolutely be clear that it is not a provocation. It is not intended to do anything other than recognise the event and the spirit in which it was held. That said, it is also not a treatise on Middle Eastern relations. It is a simple, straightforward motion to recognise a wonderful bipartisan event.

Nonetheless, it is disappointing that the discussion has turned to divisive and negative territory when its intent was to congratulate the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. We should be focusing on the incredible contribution to our State by the New South Wales Jewish community and the long list of achievements it has made over many years. Were it not for the important advocacy work of the board of deputies and its interfaith counterparts, our State would not be the same place that it is. The loss of civilian life on both sides, if we are going into that territory, is a tragedy. It is deeply upsetting, and our hearts go out to the families of all innocent victims, both Israeli and Palestinian, in that territory.

I have also been to the West Bank. I have visited Gaza. I have been to the border of Lebanon. I believe a number of members are duly informed. Thanks to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies we have that education to inform us. I note that sadly Palestinian children have been killed by Palestinian Islamic Jihad rockets falling in Gaza. That is not something that we support. Israel is a diverse and inclusive society comprising Arabs, Christians, Muslims, Druze, Baha'i and other groups. Israel's parliament, the Knesset, is representative of the country's diversity. Arabs started serving in the first Knesset in 1949. About 100 Arab and Druze legislators, representing parties from the political left to the right, have served again. Israel is a beacon of hope and a shining example of the only liberal democracy in the Middle East. I am pleased to recognise and congratulate the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies on its event. I commend the motion and the amendment to the House.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Rod Roberts):

The Hon. Natalie Ward has moved a motion, to which the Hon. Wes Fang has moved an amendment. The question is that the amendment be agreed to.

Amendment agreed to.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Rod Roberts):

The question is that the motion as amended be agreed to.

Motion as amended agreed to.

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