Australian Unions Back Palestine Amid Escalating Israel-Hamas War

Supporters gather for a rally to free Palestine on the steps of the Victorian parliament in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 15, 2023. Sam Tabone/Getty Images

Hundreds of representatives and members of large and small Australian unions have signed an open letter expressing their support for Palestine while calling for immediate suspension of all hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

The online statement, which was released by the Sydney branch of the Maritime Union of Australia, said that union members were horrified by the war and the bloodshed and violence it had caused.

The unions also said that the war went against their values of “peace, justice and solidarity with working people.”

The letter then called for both sides to immediately suspend all hostile actions and lift the blockade of Gaza.

“Gaza must not be cut off from food, medicine, fuel and humanitarian supplies, its power supply must be resumed, and critical health, water and other infrastructure must be restored immediately,” it read.

Nevertheless, the letter blamed the conflict on the Israeli government, saying the tragedy was a direct result of Israel’s blockade and siege of Gaza, as well as its apartheid and ethnic cleansing policies.

“We also call for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian land and an end to apartheid and ethnic cleansing,” the letter read.

“As unionists, we stand in solidarity with all people who support the cause of peace, equality and justice for Palestinians, Israelis, and everyone in the Middle East.”

While expressing strong support for Palestine, the open letter did not condemn nor mention the behaviour of Hamas, which was the initiator of the conflict.

At the same time, it called on the government and police to facilitate demonstrations supporting Palestine around Australia, saying the union movement would never accept political restrictions on the right to protest.

Response from the Jewish Community

Following the statement’s release, Alex Ryvchin, the co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, called the open letter a piece of propaganda by “old anti-Israel activists,” saying it brought discredit to the union movement.

“The words are heartless and obscene, blaming Israelis for beheaded, raped and burned alive,” he said, reported the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

“It shows the hatred and inhumanity of the anti-Israel movement and their willingness to degrade any institution to advance their agenda.”

Supporters wave flags during a Peace and Solidarity with Israel rally in Sydney, Australia, on May 23, 2021. Bianca De Marchi/AFP via Getty Images

In a social media post, the Australian Jewish Association criticised the representatives and members of the unions signing the open letter.

“Unions should hang their heads in shame,” the association wrote.

The open letter comes after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly denounced Hamas’ attack on Israeli properties and civilians, calling it an act of terror.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also condemned the pro-Hamas rally in Sydney and suggested the government revoke the visas of non-citizen protesters.

The Israel-Hamas War

The Israel-Hamas war has entered the 13th day and become the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides.

According to the Israeli government, over 1,400 Israelis have been killed, and 4,450 have been injured on its side of the border, which does not include the casualties of the Israeli Defense Forces.

Furthermore, at least 203 civilians, including children, were captured by Hamas and taken into Gaza.

On the opposite side, the Hamas-backed Gaza Health Ministry claimed that over 3,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed and over 12,500 have been injured.

Meanwhile, Israel’s defence minister has told troops to prepare for a ground invasion of Gaza despite not specifying when the operation would take place.