Australian leaders must mourn the loss of all innocent life in the Israel-Palestine conflict

We can support Palestine while unequivocally condemning Hamas, criticise Israel’s actions in Gaza while recognising the state has a right to defend itself.

Thousands of people flocked to a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Picture. David Crosling

As the son of a Lebanese Muslim father and a mother who was Syrian Orthodox Christian, I was born into a world where diversity wasn’t just a concept but our way of life.

Their story unfolded amidst the turbulent backdrop of Lebanon’s civil war. Love won out and they eloped. But the decision came at a cost — my mother’s family severed ties with her for marrying a Muslim.

Over time, they reconciled, and eventually, my parents journeyed to Australia with its promise of safety and security. Soon after they settled in Melbourne, my Christian grandmother followed.

In her new home, she set about giving new life to our blended family’s traditions. We celebrated Eid and Christmas, and she dyed eggs red at Easter for all my Muslim cousins.

Thousands of people flocked to a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Picture: David Crosling

Years on, those times with my grandmother have stayed with me – not just because she spoiled me as her favourite – but because I saw her love transcend religious boundaries.

Because of her, I was lucky to grow up in a multi-faith household where compassion and connection overcame any divides.

At the same time, my upbringing was deeply rooted in the Islamic faith. My early years were spent at an Islamic school, surrounded by people from my community.

It was an environment where anti-Semitic sentiments were not uncommon, and conversations about Israel and Judaism were often accompanied by prejudice. It meant I was exposed to a narrative that limited my understanding and worldview.

It was at uni that I embarked on a path of self-education. I had the privilege of forming friendships with Jewish and Palestinian students. And what was once taboo became a source of fascination, as I sought to understand Israelis and Judaism beyond stereotypes.

This culminated in a visit to both Israel and Palestine in 2015, a journey that changed my perspective forever. For the first time, I stood on the hallowed ground of the Holy Land, a profound place for Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike. As I walked through the ancient streets of Jerusalem, I felt the weight of history and faith pressing upon me.

Visiting this holy city – so precious to so many – awakened new empathy. It enabled me to see the people around me for who they were, and not what I’d heard. It was a life-changing experience, one that led me to return twice since, most recently this year.

We need to mourn the loss of all innocent life. Picture: David Crosling

Israeli troops gathered near the border with Gaza. Picture: AFP

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict had always been a presence in my life, rearing its head periodically, and drawing me into its complexities. Like previous eruptions of violence, the current outbreak carries with it a sense of urgency and sorrow – but also the need for a nuanced perspective.

We must unequivocally condemn Hamas for its October 7 attack on innocent Israeli civilians and the taking of hostages. I support Israel and the right to defend herself against aggression. But it should not come at the cost of innocent Palestinian lives.

Just as we condemn Hamas, we must also condemn the Netanyahu Government for its attacks on innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the Westbank. And just as we recognise Hamas does not speak for the entire Palestinian community, Netanyahu does not speak for the entire Israeli community.

In response to the current war, the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people for an independent state should not be forgotten. It’s a struggle that has persisted for generations, and it’s crucial the international community acknowledges this. More than 2 million people are currently trapped in Gaza or displaced, and the situation there teeters on the edge of devastation.

As I watch the conflict unfold, I can’t also help but worry about the real risk of Lebanon and Syria becoming embroiled, fuelled by the actions of Hamas and potentially Hezbollah. Both countries hold a special place in my heart, home to family on both my father and mother’s side – Muslims and Christians. Their safety is a constant concern.

During times like these, we must remember our privilege of living in the “lucky country.” Australia, while not perfect, remains a democracy where diverse voices can be heard. It’s a place where we can advocate for peace, understanding and compassion, and strive to be a bridge between communities in conflict.

Our political leaders bear a solemn responsibility of acknowledging the tragic loss of innocent Israelis and Palestinians. Because every life is sacred, every individual has a family, and every child is a parent’s pride and joy.

The profound pain of the Jewish and Muslim communities is also shared. And like many in both communities, I hope for an end to the bloodshed and a better future for the region.

As I reflect on my journey towards understanding – and the lessons imparted early by my grandmother – I believe empathy, education and open dialogue must pave our way towards peace.

Mohamed Elrafihi is the CEO of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, the peak council representing multicultural communities