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Jews must not pay for jihadism

The decision by Waverley Council, in Sydney’s east, and backed by the NSW Land and Environment Court to ban the building of a new synagogue in Bondi, near Australia’s most famous beach, on the grounds it could be a terrorist target, is unconscionable. By running up the white flag to the prospect of Islamist extremism, the council is stifling the right to religious freedom of the peaceful, law-abiding Australian Jewish community.

In contrast with various hotbeds of Islamic radicalism in Australia, there has never been a shred of suspicion of any plots in Jewish ranks to inpinge on the rights of other Australians.

Jewish people have been part of Australia since the arrival of the First Fleet. And their contribution to the nation in commerce, science and intellectual endeavour far exceeds their numerical strength; they have staunchly defended religious freedom. As Sydney Rabbi Yehoram Ulman says, the decision rewards terrorism, setting an appalling precedent — a stupid, discriminatory and dangerous mistake. Waverley Council should respect ratepayers by overturning the ban.


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Original piece is http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/editorials/jews-must-not-pay-for-jihadism/news-story/a3324cde3d27a5295f61cd16b10d3c8b


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