Victorians petition parliament
A petition to the Parliament of Australia has been signed by members of the community and sent to Canberra calling for the condemnation of the kidnapping of Eyal Yifrah (19), Naftali Frenkel (16) and Gil-Ad Shaer (16). The boys were kidnapped while travelling home near Gush Etzion in the West Bank.
The petition calls for the Government to “convey to the Palestinian Authority its firm belief that the Palestinian Authority must co-operate and co-ordinate with Israeli Authorities in their efforts to secure the release of these teenagers.”
It also asks that the Government “request NGO’s such as UNWRA, Oxfam, Human Rights Watch and the Red Cross (organisations which are the beneficiaries of Australian taxpayers financial support) to exercise their influence on Hamas to ensure that the teenagers are released unharmed.”
Over 3400 members of the Victorian Jewish community signed the petition in the first few days.
Nina Bassat, the President of the JCCV said, “This is an act of outrage which must be condemned by the whole civilised world. With the people of Israel we pray for the boys, for their families and for their safe and speedy return.”
Michael Danby MP, Federal Member for Melbourne Ports said, “I urge as many people as possible to sign the petition so that Parliament is made aware of the strength of feeling in the community.”
David Southwick MP, State Member for Caulfield said, “Leaders of our community are determined that Australia’s Government echo our shock and horror to the world and make clear that the return of these boys must happen swiftly.”
