Marrickville Council: Please Dont Divide the Community

We love living in multicultural Marrickville.

However, on 14 December 2010, without community consultation, Marrickville Council passed a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions resolution against Israel. This means Council will ban "all goods made in Israel and any sporting, academic institutions, government or institutional cultural exchanges. [1]

We, like many people, want a just and lasting peace based upon mutual recognition between Israelis and Palestinians. We do not believe that this boycott of Israel will assist in achieving peace. The Israel boycott has the potential to sow the seeds of disharmony and import the tragic divisions of the Middle East into the local community. We are also concerned this policy could have negative consequences for local cultural life. For example, it might deter Australian Jewish cultural groups from participating in Council sponsored events; bar Israeli authors, including peace activists, from speaking at the Council library; and prevent Friends of the Earth Middle East (Israel, Palestine, Jordan) from participating in Council run environmental initiatives.

Australias successful model of multiculturalism draws its strength from our determination not to allow disputes beyond our borders to divide our local communities. Immigration Minster Chris Bowen has said, We recognise and celebrate different cultural heritages but insist that our future is common, is shared. This is the genius of Australias multiculturalism. [2]
Marrickville Council, help our multicultural community to be a part of the future.

We ask that Council:

favour policies that enhance communication and peace building at a local level over those that create division

prioritise local matters in the allocation of resources, including time and money

ensure residents can vote at local elections on local issues, without needing to consider foreign policy

rescind the boycott motion passed on 14 Dec 2010

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[1] The text of the motion can be viewed at: www.innerwestjgroup.asn.au/councilmotion

[2] Chris Bowen MP
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, The genius of Australian multiculturalism