Jewish leaders have condemned a Sydney council for “rewarding terrorism” by refusing to allow a new synagogue at Bondi on security grounds.
The Waverley Council decision, backed by the Land and Environment Court of NSW, set a “dangerous precedent”, Jewish Board of Deputies director Vic Alhadeff said.
Waverley Council objected to large blast-walls proposed for the synagogue because of their visual impact, but also used the measures drawn up by those planning to build the synagogue to argue that if such security was required people moving around the place of worship could be at risk.
“The stated need for protective walls raises concern as to the safety and security of people outside but near the synagogue,” the council argued.
The court heard “strong anti-Semitic undertones pervade much of ISIS’s online presence and literature” had “manifested itself in both attacks and prevented attacks that have been aimed at Jewish communities in various parts of the world”.
The decision to dismiss the appeal by Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe, against the council’s rejection was condemned by Mr Alhadeff, who said it was a “sad day”.
Read the article by Sofia Gronbech Wright in The Australian (subscription required).