Mosman represented at shul service

MOSMAN deputy mayor Roy Bendall says he was “delighted” to have been invited to attend the Law Service at the Great Synagogue on Wednesday (February 8), acknowledging that it was “important” Mosman was represented, and admitting that the mayor’s comments about Israel last month caused “anguish”.

Bendall was invited to the annual service after mayor Peter Abelson refused an invitation, citing his “deep personal concern about the gross and illegal occupation of the West Bank which creates intense international division and bitterness and, unresolved, will cause endless terrorism across the globe, including here”.

Abelson denied shunning the event, telling The AJN at the time, “I accept only a few external civic invitations when there is some clear gain for the Mosman community. My judgement was that my community would not receive any gain from my simply attending the religious service.

“In declining the event I also saw fit this time (partly because of the UN Resolution) to make my personal observations on the situation in Israel.”

Speaking to The AJN this week, Bendall said, “I am delighted to have been invited to represent our community at the Law Service. It is important that Mosman is represented, as the service is not just a celebration of the beginning of the Law year but symbolic of unity within the broader community.”

He added, “I understand that the mayor’s personal views were published in the media, causing anguish, to members of our community. I further understand that the mayor has written personally to all those that corresponded with him.”

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff said this was a “positive outcome”.

“It was very unfortunate that the mayor linked criticism of Israeli policies with his letter declining the invitation to attend the Law Service, and we are pleased that commonsense has prevailed and that Mosman Council, its mayor and its Jewish ratepayers will be represented,” Alhadeff said ahead of the event.

The synagogue’s chief minister Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton told The AJN the mayor himself “would have joined us but cannot because of other commitments”.

“This is a very good result. Mr Abelson listened to the reaction to his boycott of our service, thought more, and reconsidered. He deserves credit for that. And our door is always open for further discussion and dialogue.”

The Law Service is an annual event which marks the beginning of the new legal year.

Distinguished guests included Chief Justice of NSW Tom Bathurst and approximately 60 judges, barristers and solicitors.

EVAN ZLATKIS