‘Free Palestine’ killings expose commentariat lack of scrutiny

Since the October 7, 2023, attacks on the Jewish state, many media organisations, politicians, artists, university campuses, social media feeds and international organisations have echoed Hamas claims without scrutiny.

People clearly are being radicalised (“ ‘Free Palestine’ terror in DC: assassination of Jewish diplomats about to be engaged”, 23/5). To preserve the safety of our streets and the integrity of our values, those with the power to distribute information should use that power responsibly. Not taking what an extremist group says at face value would be a good start.

Adrian Deutsch, Randwick, NSW

The shocking murder of the two Israeli diplomats in Washington by the murderer shouting “Free Palestine” is a consequence of the constant ill-informed and misinformed criticism of Israel. The safety of Israelis and the Jewish people are at risk.

Israel and the Israel Defence Forces should be subject to informed criticism, not based on the one-minute news grab and the propaganda from Hamas. Such uninformed criticism unleashes irrational acts such as has occurred in Washington. Those critics should think carefully before voicing the propaganda from the UN and Hamas.

Criticism based on the propaganda from Hamas emboldens Hamas to continue its war with Israel, in its quest to eliminate the state of Israel. It further puts off any release of the remaining hostages to the never-never.

Dennis Bluth, Cammeray, NSW

The murder of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington is a tragic outcome for a beautiful young couple killed for being Jewish.

Meanwhile, anti-Semitic students at the University of Sydney turn their collective backs on their Jewish peers. Hate is particularly pernicious and hurtful.

The events of October 7, 2023, continue to spread and metastasise. Why so much continuous acrimony? It has continued for far too long.

Claire Jolliffe, Buderim, Qld

University fail

The appalling behaviour at the University of Sydney is a blight on our nation, our multiculturalism and our tolerance (“Campus safety a universal right”, 23/5).

The seemingly compliant, pro-Hamas, anti-Semitic and ineffective leadership of the university stands out.

This allowed vile, left-wing protests to go on.

The university’s approach was appease­ment. It failed miserably.

L. Smith, Kenmore, Qld

Economic basket case

The recent Victorian budget shows the state to be in a shambles. Victorians are entitled to ask: Is this the best the state Treasurer can do?

Debt is set to escalate, with taxation levels at unprecedented levels and outlays on services not expected to meet demands, except maybe for health.

The state Treasurer commented at the time of her appointment that she liked to fix things. The only thing fixed is a reputation as being no better than her predecessor and continued consignment of what was once a premier state to an economic basket case.

Martin Newington, Aspendale, Vic

Global city in distress

Such a beautiful First World city such as Sydney is stuck with an unreliable Third World transport system (“Commuter fury: inquiry launched into rail network meltdown”, 22/5).

It has been going on for years with a lot of talk but very little being achieved. Its unreliability is becoming a laughing-stock on the world stage. Does there need to be a state government inquiry into the staffing and running of this festering joke?

For disruptions to be happening so often, there must be something chronically wrong. Fix it or get someone that can.

Steven Thomas, Shellharbour, NSW

Give Nats some credit

It is both surprising and disappointing that some sections of the media seek to cast David Littleproud and the Nationals as the villains in the Coalition imbroglio. That Malcolm Turnbull is of that view should be cautionary. If the Coalition is ever to govern, both parties must pull their weight. The Nats, quite clear about their purpose and conviction, performed very well in the election, given the circumstances. Clearly the Libs were not pulling their weight. The Nats knew if the Coalition was going to be effective at the next election, then the problems that beset the Libs had to be addressed without delay. They acted in a way that would force the issue.

Geoff Ellis, Smithfield, Qld

Someone needs to remind Liberal and National party politicians that they have a high level of responsibility to the nation and should live up to that responsibility. If they fail to accept that responsibility, they can be certain that the future for them will be permanent opposition, with no chance of attaining government.

Stephen Phillips, Ridgewood, WA