Foley stands up for Israel
NEW NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley says he is inspired by the bridge-building work the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) does with the local Muslim community.
Foley made the remarks at an ethnic media conference on January 15, in which he also outlined his vision for the state and took questions from various media representatives.
Addressing the importance of tolerance and unity in NSW, he said both political and community leaders had an important role to play.
“I see the work that the Jewish Board of Deputies and the Islamic groups are doing in our state, coming together in the interests of harmony … That inspires me,” he said.
“I think community leadership on the ground in all of our ethnic communities is really important.
“I want to be a political leader who supports people and community leaders in that work.”
He added: “What the reaction to the Martin Place siege showed is that this community is determined to remain united, to reject extremism.
“I’ll be a political leader who continues to champion that harmonious and tolerant society.”
In what was viewed by the Jewish community last year as a policy shift away from Israel, Labor’s NSW branch passed a motion to “consult like-minded nations towards recognition of the Palestinian state” should there not be progress towards a two-state solution.
When asked by The AJN whether he would look to reverse this policy, Foley said it was too early in his tenure to comment, but reiterated his support for Israel.
“I support two states for two peoples. I want to encourage the peace builders in both the Arab world and the Israeli world,” he said.
“I’ve been to Israel, I enjoyed my trip there very much. I continue to value the advice of distinguished members of the Jewish community.
“I’ll always be somebody who stands up for Israel’s right to exist within secure borders.”
On broader policy issues, he said if elected he would “apply Labor’s timeless values to modern circumstances”.
“I think sometimes the old labels of left and right put us in boxes. For me what matters is what works,” he said.
“I can support an enterprising, dynamic private sector as much as I’ll support an effective public sector.
“My vision for NSW is that our state is the great economic powerhouse of Australia and at the same time its social conscience.”
GARETH NARUNSKY
NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley. Photo: Gareth Narunsky
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