By Jena Carr
Friends of Palestine – Torquay (FOPT) gathered outside council chambers this week to call for solidarity with Palestine by the Surf Coast Shire.
The Surf Coast Stands in Solidarity: Petition for Surf Coast Shire Gaza Motion petition was received and noted by the Surf Coast Shire Council during its meeting on Tuesday, February 27.
FOPT spokesperson Sarah Molnar said she created the Change.org petition, which received 102 signatures, after seeing images of the bombing on social media.
“The ongoing tragedy in Gaza, unfolding in real-time through live streams, extends beyond borders, resonating deeply with people worldwide,” she said.
“I just see their (Surf Coast Shire Council) role going beyond bin collection and waste management. I think that there is space for advocacy, and they have done it before on other issues.”
Ms Molnar said she wanted to see a statement of recognition of the conflict and support or a ceasefire by the council.
“We live in a privileged part of the world, and we have space to show empathy. That can just be a motion of solidarity for peace,” she said.
“At the end of the day, I’m a mum of three and I just want to see peace. For me it’s not about size, this is just about casualties.”
Councillor Paul Barker said he could appreciate the concerns shown by the community but felt it was not a matter for the council.
“The issue of human rights is deeply concerning to me…but I think it’s important that the appropriate level of government deals with relevant issues,” he said.
“The harms to innocent civilians on both sides are atrocious, but we shouldn’t be discussing this matter in this chamber though.”
Cr Adrian Schonfelder said it was important to address the situation in Gaza and hoped the council would follow in the steps of other local and federal governments.
“In a world that can be cold and uncaring, we should fill it with loving and sharing,” he said.
Council officers will now review the petition and develop a report to present within three months at a council meeting.
