Sydney council reverses decision to fly Palestinian flag after community backlash

Randwick City Council has overturned its earlier decision to fly the Palestinian flag above the town hall after community backlash.

The council's initial plan faced fierce opposition after the recent Hamas attack on Israel. Randwick councillor Daniel Rosenfeld, a grandchild of Holocaust survivors, passionately argued against the motion, stating it would be 'very wrong for Randwick Council to fly the Palestinian flag on 29 November.'

He pointed to the deep impact of the Hamas attack on Sydney's Jewish community, which houses two synagogues, a high school, a primary school, and an aged care provider.

During the emergency general meeting, Rosenfeld expressed his anguish over pro-Palestine protests turning hostile, with derogatory chants echoing in the city.

Although Greens councillor Michael Olive attempted to ensure the flag's display, the majority voted against it, considering the sentiments of the Jewish residents.

A motion for a minute's silence for all affected by the Israeli-Hamas conflict was, however, accepted, emphasizing empathy for all victims of the war.

Australian Jewish Association CEO, Robert Gregory, welcomed the council's decision, asserting, 'Terrorism must be condemned, not celebrated.' The heated debate highlighted the complex balance between acknowledging global events and respecting the sentiments of a diverse community.