Marching for peace is human, not ‘extremist'

Sydney Morning Herald

20 hours ago

I take exception to the words of Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Alex Ryvchin, who described participants in the march for Gaza as 'extremist by nature' (' Josh Lees raises the ire of Chris Minns ', August 1). Over the years, I have occasionally taken part in protest marches and gatherings when the call to do so was urgent. The imperative to attend this demonstration goes beyond urgent. Every day, Gazans are dying from starvation and sickness, or being shot killed taking desperate measures to get food. I am a humanist, not an extremist, as Ryvchin would categorise me and everyone else who marched. Taking part in the protest was the least I could do for the starving people of Gaza. Dilhara Gonsalkorale, Redfern
Once again, Alex Ryvchin has cast too broad a brush in declaring the pro-Palestinian protesters 'extremist by nature'. As someone who took part in the march, I refute that baseless accusation. Many of us who walked were calling for peace and humanity for Palestinians and Israelis alike, something that would be obvious to Ryvchin if he'd bothered to read the Herald letters pages this week. Tim Overland, Castle Hill
Is it a misnomer for the Herald to name today's Sydney Harbour Bridge demonstration a pro-Palestine rally (' Motorists urged to avoid CBD as pro-Palestine march gets green light?' August 2). Perhaps a better title might be: 'Ending the war in Gaza rally'. That way, whether you are pro-Palestine or pro-Israel, what you are rallying for is for the age-old war between these peoples to come to an end. Glenn Larner, Freshwater
Brutal hypocrisy
'The cruelty of Hamas has no boundaries,' Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said after talking to the Israeli hostage's family (' Walking to my grave: Outrage after Hamas releases video of emaciated Israeli hostage ', August 3). 'While the state of Israel is allowing the entry of humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza, the terrorists of Hamas are deliberately starving our hostages and document them in a cynical and evil manner. The entire world must take a stand in a clear message against the criminal Nazi abuse perpetrated by the Hamas terror organisation.' Regardless of any heinous actions by Hamas, the bare-faced hypocrisy of Netanyahu's statement is unbelievable, and quite shocking. Alynn Pratt, Grenfell
Do the Israelis expect Palestinians to take food from their own starving children to feed the hostages? Starvation for everyone in Gaza, including hostages, is being intentionally manufactured by the Netanyahu government. Graeme Finn, Campsie
Messenger shot
Trump fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner Erika McEntarfer for doing her job, simply because the adjusted figures didn't fit well with the vision he had painted (' Trump firing adds to jobless total ', August 3). It didn't suit his narrative. The erosion of truth in favour of Trump-speak has been one of Trump's dirtiest deeds. Many people faithfully doing their jobs have suffered the same fate, particularly through the imprimatur Trump gave to Elon Musk, when he was sent to trash government employees. As author Michael Koziol points out, Trump undermines trust in public institutions throughout these actions. The weather bureau, air traffic controllers, now duly appointed bureaucrats simply doing their jobs. Chaos reigns. Hopefully, Trump Mk2 is in its final season of reality television. Geoff Nilon, Mascot
While the international community frets over Trump's chaotic, inconsistent tariff policies, the more critical, long-term issue for all countries is the gutting of the US Constitution and the rise of authoritarian power. The Republican Congress has abdicated its role, the legal system is compromised and rulings ignored, departments, agencies and institutions are being defunded and the political system is being reorganised on the basis of fidelity to Trump. Australia's focus should be on structuring political and economic policies for these immediate disruptions, while recognising that there is no longer reliable precedent from the past. A fresh, strategic look at our geography, political compatibility and global technology trends should inform the government's approach to our future security and opportunities. Robert Caraian, Crows Nest
If Donald Trump's statisticians can be shafted when their figures don't add up as required, what's next? Banishing bishops when his prayers aren't answered? Jenifer Nicholls, Windsor (Vic)
It is increasingly clear that Trump's use of tariffs has little to do with trade (' After gaining lowest tariff, Farrell aims for zero rate ' August 2). He is using them for any situation that raises his ire. He doesn't like the way Brazil is treating their ex-president – slap on an increased tariff. He's annoyed by the conflict between Thailand and Myanmar – threaten them with tariffs. Canada proposes to recognise Palestine – increase their tariff. He has the whole world guessing what he will do next, a situation he absolutely loves because he is the centre of attention. Rather than press our luck, Trade Minister Don Farrell should maintain a low profile, lest the eye of Sauron turn in our direction. Neil Ormerod, Kingsgrove
Would all media please refrain from parroting (and incorrectly using) the word 'deal' when reporting on the see-sawing trade arrangements dictated by the Trump administration. There is no indication of mutual advantage. Lewis Kaplan, Birchgrove
Energy strategy
Further to Peter Hartcher, whether the Coalition adopts net zero by 2050 is inconsequential (' Coalition must address climate change for its own survival ', August 2). What they need is a plan to replace the energy deficit that will occur when most coal-fired plants reach their end of life by about 2035. Additionally, more energy supply is required to cater for AI and data centres and EV take-up. Discontinuing reliance on imported transport fuels from geopolitically contested areas is a security no-brainer. The Coalition could possibly regain power, at the earliest by in 2031, giving a short time to provide that extra electricity by 2035. Accordingly, it would be prudent during the intervening period to constructively support the Albanese government's renewable energy transition rollout rather than fostering dissent. Carlo Ursida, Kensington (Vic)
Peter Hartcher described the three options available to the Liberal Party. Option three, separating from the Nationals, wasn't adequately addressed. The Nationals split with the Liberals this year was an ill-judged tantrum because there was no way the Nationals would be able to capture city seats. However, the Liberals with their conservative agenda would be able to capture country and regional seats, particularly if country voters see that as the only way they will be represented in government. If the likes of Helen Haines, a progressive independent, can capture the rural seat of Indi, the Liberals should cast off the moribund Nationals and seek enthusiastic, like-minded people to join and represent them in country electorates. Otherwise, the dead weight of the Nationals will make them a permanent opposition party, to the detriment of the nation. Rodney Crute, Hunters Hill
As a Labor supporter, I can't say my heart bleeds to read Peter Hartcher's bleak assessment of the Coalition's chances of getting out of the hole they are in on climate policy and generally, but I have to admit that it is not healthy politically to have such a demoralised opposition, so I wish Sussan Ley well in her efforts to reform the Liberal Party. Andrew Macintosh, Cromer
Education elites
The article by Jordan Baker on private schools not paying rates and buying adjoining residential properties is another example of the massive chasm between these exceptionally wealthy private schools and the rest of the schooling system (' Rich schools must learn to pay rates ', August 2). Besides the impact on councils and neighbouring residents, the more important impact is that the students of these schools are growing up in an insular world of extreme privilege. There is a danger that they would have little or no notion of the daily challenges experienced by less privileged households. Post-schooling, their economic and social capital will result in many of these students moving into influential positions. The question is, will they empathise with their fellow citizens and be willing to contribute to a more just and equal society? Alan Morris, Eastlakes
Assets valued at a combined almost $760 million and no rates charged. What a disgrace. Councils work for the whole community, while Shore, Redlands and Wenona clearly do not. Exemptions from council rates for the privileged are unfair and wrong. Councils need money to create and maintain public assets and spaces for all of us. This archaic law must be changed. Lisa Williams, Dulwich Hill
The headline says it all but Jordan Baker, in her article, explained it beautifully. Especially at the end of the article, when she says Christian schools are teaching their students an odd lesson; if we are privileged, we should hoard our wealth and give back only on our terms. Arthur Hennessy, Gymea Bay
Congratulations to Jordan Baker on her well-researched article on rate exemptions for private schools. For too long, we have seen private schools in Sydney colonise whole suburbs and contribute nothing in rates to help maintain the environment, facilities and infrastructure used by these schools. These institutions are able to enhance their status, influence and profit by effectively relying on the public purse. Susan Daniels, Rozelle
Jordan Baker's article implies that independent schools are 'unChristian' in not volunteering to pay rates to local councils. This misses the essential point. Legal advice indicates such payments would be unlawful, a contravention of the infamous Section 83C of the Education Act. Similarly, schools are required to charge market rates to any who rents their facilities. Baker also says schools like Shore are 'rich'. This is misleading, as the assets quoted are almost all tied up in land and buildings. If they were to be liquidated, the school would close. Independent schools are, with one exception, not-for-profit entities. Banks require a small surplus as a condition of loans. Such surplus usually is directed towards paying down these loans at the end of each financial year. The article says Shore's purchase of the historic Graythwaite a decade ago expanded its school footprint by 50 per cent. Five per cent would be more accurate. Shore's current request is to buy, at market rate, just 75 metres of a street enclosed on three sides by the school. Local residents would benefit as the drop-off and pick-up zone for parents can be moved off the street. Shore's charter requires it to serve the community. The many ways this is done cannot be quantified in dollars. John Collier, Headmaster, Shore School
AUKUS self-interest
Deborah Snow's article on defence consultancies, established by former politicians since the AUKUS deal hove into view, is long overdue (' Cashing in on Australia's defence spending bonanza ', August 2). The article repeatedly emphasises that no one is accused of wrongdoing, but let's face it, at the political level, it stinks. AUKUS was conceived in a rush to meet political ends, with no rigorous assessment of its efficacy in meeting Australia's real defence needs. It was never properly costed and it was never discussed with the public. Its initial $386 billion commitment is the biggest contract ever awarded yet, as Nick Hine says 'from a cost perspective, whatever number you thought of, double it and add zero', which will mean quite a lot fewer schools and hospitals. Little wonder that most Australians and credible defence experts want to reduce our subservience to the US and get out of AUKUS fast. But having created the AUKUS monster, those ex-politician consultants are fighting to ensure it survives, now in their own interests, not the national interest. Time to clean out this Augean stable. Ian Dunlop, Gordon
Ride on, Father Riley
After reading Sue Williams' wonderful tribute to Father Chris Riley (' I was Father Chris Riley's biographer. I'm so sad, but glad he got his dying wish ' August 2), I felt compelled to write about my first experience with him and one of his many programs. In 2000, my husband, Patrick and I participated in a Sydney to Southport bike ride, which raised money for Father Riley's Youth Off The Streets program. Young people from that program cycled with us and to hear their stories was heart-rending but also inspiring, how they could overcome such odds to be where they were now. And all of them attributed this to one man, Father Riley. When he visited our group part-way through the ride, the young people flocked to him with so much love and respect it was palpable. It is a memory I will cherish. Tania Barrett, Winmalee
Bike blockages
Every time I venture onto the streets of Sydney, I wonder how the complete lack of meaningful regulation of dockless bike-share operators accord with principles espoused by the City of Sydney Council in its 2025–2029 Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan? It's a simple question for the Lord Mayor: how do dozens, if not hundreds of rental bikes strewn across footpaths assist in 'maintaining the accessible path of travel on our footpaths', as per the City's well-considered action plan? Michael Wright, Ultimo
Join the union
In the freezing cold, driving rain and at Sydney's soulless Olympic Park Stadium, where the tickets were overpriced and the public transport was limited – d for a dead rubber after the second Test was taken away from them – Sydney turned out in force for the Wallabies. Reports of Rugby Union's demise have clearly been greatly exaggerated, and the Wallabies live on. Andrew Krisenthal, Blaxland
Having the British and Irish Lions in Australia has made it feel a bit like the 'old days'. Everyone knew the rugby was on, everyone was going to or watching the rugby. Plans made around it, catch-ups arranged before and after it, a sense of occasion, like it used it be. And talk about rugby, lots of talk. To all the rugby fans in Australia, I dare you all (and I dare myself) to keep it up. Justin Fleming, Boorowa
Long, joyous and raucous were the celebrations of the Australian rugby supporters, tempered only by the thought of what could have (should have?) been, except for a controversial refereeing decision in the previous game. Barry Wooldridge, Harden
Indeed, there are no lions roaming the British Isles, Phil Blight (Letters, August 2), but perhaps the British and Irish Lions are so named because players from four separate countries come together with pride. Jim Dewar, Davistown