We stand with Israel

Published on 10 October 2023

Woollahra Council has condemned the abhorrent and unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas and supports Israel’s right to defend itself. This morning the newly elected Mayor of Woollahra, Councillor Richard Shields, raised the Israeli flag at Council Chambers as a sign of solidarity. He was joined by Councillor Isabelle Shapiro.

Mayor Shields put forward a Mayoral Minute at last night’s council meeting outlining the Council’s response and the decision to fly the flag.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been killed, injured and taken from their loved ones,” he said.

“With such a significant number of our local Woollahra community being of Jewish faith, with immediate and distant relatives in Israel, I am devastated to think of the impact this attack has had and will continue to have on them.”

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Mayor Richard Shields with Councillor Isabelle Shapiro

If you are feeling distressed or anxious about the events in Israel and want to talk to a professional about it, please call JewishCare NSW on 1300 133 660 from 9am – 5pm, or Jewish House outside of these hours on 1300 544 357.

A hotline has been set up to assist Australians concerned about the welfare of relatives or friends in Israel and loved ones visiting the region. Call 1300 555 135 for assistance (from within Australia) Australians visiting Israel are advised to follow advice from local authorities. For emergency consular assistance, call +61 6261 3305.