UPDATE: The Victorian Labor Party has just passed a resolution demanding the federal government to “immediately” recognize Palestine, stirring significant controversy and protests. The conference, held on October 14, 2023, also called for extending sanctions to all members of the Israeli cabinet and ceasing all military trade with Israel.
The resolution, which critics call extreme, has ignited a heated debate within the party and among Jewish communities in Victoria. Nick Dyrenfurth, a delegate from Macnamara and co-convenor of Labor Friends of Israel, proposed an alternative motion advocating for a two-state solution excluding Hamas, but this was rejected.
“This so-called emergency motion is a blatant slap in the face to both the Albanese federal government and the Jewish community in Victoria,” Dyrenfurth stated, expressing deep concern over the implications of the passed resolutions. He condemned the motion for its lack of consultation with Jewish members and its failure to address rising antisemitism effectively.
“They have brought great shame and dishonour on Victorian Labor,” Dyrenfurth asserted, highlighting the emotional impact on Jewish members feeling unsafe within their party.
Another prominent voice, Dean Sherr, a former adviser to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, represented the views of Jewish Labor members, advocating for a balanced approach in the debate over Palestine. He expressed disappointment that his amendments to support a two-state solution were not accepted, emphasizing the need for Jewish voices to be heard.
The conference also called for an increase in aid to UNRWA by $10 million and reaffirmed the right to protest. Tensions escalated during Defence Minister Richard Marles’ speech when a group displayed Palestinian flags, indicating the divisive climate surrounding these discussions.
Critics, including Peter Wertheim from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, condemned the resolutions as unfit and dangerous. “The Victorian branch of the ALP has now demonstrated its unfitness to make any pronouncements on the Israel-Palestinian conflict,” he stated, pointing to the lack of acknowledgment of Hamas’s role in the current crisis.
Further criticism came from Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, who stated that recognition of Palestinian statehood cannot occur until Hamas is disarmed and hostages are returned. He underscored the risks of premature recognition, especially following the violence of October 7.
David Southwick, a Liberal MP, also voiced concerns that the Labor Party’s stance fuels anti-Israel sentiment and increases risks for Jewish communities in Melbourne. “Victorian Labor’s motions read like a campaign against Israel, not a plan for peace,” Southwick asserted, reflecting the urgency of addressing rising tensions.
Jacinta Allan, the Victorian Premier, responded to the backlash, stating that foreign policy is predominantly a federal matter and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution amidst growing discord within her party.
The situation is developing rapidly, with widespread implications for both local and international communities. As tensions escalate, the broader impact on the Victorian Jewish community and the future of Labor’s stance on foreign policy remains to be seen. Observers are urged to stay tuned for further updates as the matter unfolds.
