For a real perspective, PM should take up Israel’s invitation

Chris Kenny makes a powerful case for Anthony Albanese to visit Israel and engage meaningfully in the issues that are distressing for so many Australians (“On the ground in Israel, the sense of betrayal is palpable”, 31/5-1/6). As Kenny writes, the conflict is not about Palestinian statehood but about the destruction of the state of Israel. Hamas successfully uses elements of the press and social media to vilify Israel with demonstrably false claims of genocide and apartheid.

Yet Hamas itself is a genocidal death cult that is willing to sacrifice its own people and uses human hostages as bargaining chips. It is obscene, and of great concern, that Hamas’s actions are supported by members of our community in the name of freedom for Palestinians. Israel deserves our full support in its goal to defeat Hamas and deliver lasting peace to the region. A visit by Anthony Albanese is long overdue.

Allan Kalus, Windsor, Vic

In writing about the war in Gaza, Henry Ergas points to the grim realities of World War II in Europe and quotes Winston Churchill, who vowed that no means would be spared to ensure “every trace of Hitler’s footsteps, every stain of his infected, corroding fingers would be sponged and purged from the surface of the Earth” (“New Age of Appeasement”, 30/5-1/6).

After December 1944 Nazi Germany had no hope of victory. But Hitler refused to surrender. The Allies then kept bombing German cities until May 6, 1945. No matter how many Palestinians die, Hamas refuses to give up power in Gaza and release the hostages. It doesn’t care how many more Palestinians die. But in a recent joint statement by Australia, France, Canada and the UK it’s Israel that’s being urged to stop the fighting.

It’s hardly surprising that Chris Kenny found during his recent visit to the Jewish state that Israeli officials used terms such as “backstabbed” and “betrayed” when referring to the poorly informed criticism from Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong on Israel defending itself (“On the ground in Israel, the sense of betrayal is palpable” 31/5-1/6).

Anthony Bergin, Reid, ACT

Talent exodus

The Weekend Australian contains plenty of writers offering advice for the Liberal Party, but there may be a risk of too many cooks. Tony Abbott identifies the need to remake the liberal and conservative traditions, and is right to suggest “ending subsidies for new renewables”. But other elements of his “response to the cost-of-living crisis”, such as “scaling back foreign students to 10 per cent of university admissions” and “keeping all coal-fired power stations open”, may also require subsidies, although not as large as those embedded in the nuclear power policy. Simon Benson and Nick Fabbri identify more issues, such as “Liberals are missing the gender gap amid demographic upheaval” and that the “philosophical centre should include a contemporary compassionate conservatism”.

As a former PM, Tony Abbott can lay claim to being the head chef, but there will be a lot of customers and critics waiting in the restaurant for the right recipe.

Clay O’Brien, Mosman, NSW

Barry’s last laugh

News that the “respectful and kind” Melbourne International Comedy Festival is facing “huge financial challenges” must have Barry Humphries chuckling mischievously in his grave (“Comedy festival faces ‘huge’ financial challenges as costs mount”, 31/5-1/6). Originally established by Humphries and his fellow satirist, Peter Cook, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, seduced by woke madness, decided to cancel Humphries.

Humphries described the modern-day “comics” who performed at such festivals as being “about as funny as an orphanage on fire”. It seems as if this particular fire started in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s accountant’s office, when the consequences of “go woke, go broke” came to fruition.

Crispin Walters, Chapel Hill, Qld

The director of Melbourne’s comedy festival, whining about a lack of funds, generated no sympathy in me. I will never forget the petty behaviour of the festival organisers towards Barry Humphries.

Dennis Walker, North Melbourne, Vic

Safety, not ideology

It was a relief to read such an insightful article by the opposition spokeswoman for social services, Kerrynne Liddle (“Indigenous kids need safety first, not ideology”, 30/5-1/6). For an Indigenous child found wandering the streets at night in Alice Springs, being “on country” won’t make any difference if there is no meal and a place to sleep in peace. Too many of these children have been denied the lifestyles and opportunities for a positive and meaningful future, through education and role models. Thank you, Senator Liddle, for your practical approach to Reconciliation Week.

Stephanie Summers, Turramurra, NSW