Police Minister slips into synagogue to meet Jewish community

Embattled Police Minister Yasmin Catley quietly slipped in to a Sydney synagogue on Friday night to meet with the Jewish community amid criticism over her handling of a pro-Palestine rally.

Embattled Police Minister Yasmin Catley quietly slipped in to a Sydney synagogue on Friday night to meet with the Jewish community amid criticism over her handling of a pro-Palestine rally.

The Swansea MP, who is facing calls for her resignation in the wake of the Sydney Opera House protest, was seen hugging members of the Jewish of the community during her visit to the Emanuel Synagogue with NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon.

Ms Catley is under fire over claims she misled parliament by saying she did not tell the Jewish community to stay away from the CBD in the hours before the gathering.

Reports emerged on Sky News Australia how Ms Catley had told the Jewish community they should stay away and not attend the Opera House for their own safety.

Sky News Australia reported how Ms Catley had “several phone conversations and other communications” ahead of the rally with NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip.

Police Minister Yasmin arriving at Emanuel Synagogue on Friday night. Picture: Monique Harmer

She said “sources familiar with those conversations and communications” declared how Ossip had argued with Catley about the advice for the community to stay out of the CBD and not attend the Opera House.

But when asked by Opposition police spokesman Paul Toole during question time about whether she had declared the community should “stay away from the CBD of Sydney’’ before the protest, she replied: “No, I did not.”

Yasmin Catley and Mal Lanyon arriving at the Emanuel Synagogue. Picture: Monique Harmer

Ms Catley has vehemently rejected the allegations, stating how she had relayed to the community how “police were concerned” about the large crowd of demonstrators and that it was “volatile” and “there were continuing concerns that the situation could become dangerous”.

During her visit to the synagogue, Ms Catley and Mr Lanyon were greeted by Mr Ossip, who could be heard thanking them for their attendance.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley shakes hands with NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip. Picture: Monique Harmer

And the pair hug. Picture: Monique Harmer

The pair had reportedly argued before Sunday’s pro-Palestine rally but appeared to be on better terms on Friday. Monique Harmer

“It’s a kind gesture,” he told them.

The synagogue was heavily guarded by private security and police — with officers telling people they had been patrolling local synagogues all day.

Ms Catley’s attendance at the synagogue followed a press conference with Premier Chris Minns just two hours earlier where he denied the police minister was “hiding”.

Premier Chris Minns on Friday was standing by his minister, while stating it was important there was “continuity” in the leadership of police during what were “difficult circumstances”.

He denied Ms Catley was trying to avoid the media after she was absent from two press conferences about another rally to be held on Sunday, including one led by police.

However, Ms Catley refused to answer questions from journalists at the synagogue.

Mr Minns said Ms Catley was in her Swansea electorate “doing work”, but that she would be meeting with Jewish groups later that night when she visited a synagogue in Sydney.

“The Police Minister is doing work in her electorate,” Mr Minns told reporters.

“My understanding is that she’s meeting with Jewish groups later tonight and, of course, she’ll be working over the weekend as we manage the circumstances and situation.

“ … where she’s geographically located is neither here nor there. She’s working around the clock on this important issue. And indeed this evening, will be meeting with Jewish groups.”

As for why she remained in the role, the premier said the community expected “continuity in the leadership of police” during these “difficult circumstances”.
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