In Defence of the Australia Israeli Relationship Awaiting the Sermon on the Mount
“I think our two nations understand one another in the deeper sense. We cherish the value of peace, freedom, democracy.
We battle the same forces of militant Islam, which threaten not only our two countries but also our common civilisation.
Your personal commitment to Israel is absolutely clear and it’s appreciated by every citizen of Israel.
This friendship is at least a century old.”
I too cherish peace – peace is the absence of violence and the presence of love.
I too cherish freedom – freedom is allowance and embracing of diversity.
I too cherish democracy – democracy is open to all voices and encapsulated in the quote – “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it…” (Evelyn Beatrice)
I too cherish friendship – sometimes the greatest friends must speak inconvenient truths to those they love the most. That is real friendship.
Should politics be personal or representative?
Jerusalem is a centre peace made famous by the Sermon on the Mount. The Romans were the centre of power. Jesus sought to prove to both Jews and Romans that love transcends all fear. I wonder if that message was ever truly understood.
Can you forgive those who trespass against you? He was recorded as saying: “
To be delivered from so-called evil (enemy) is to not fight it (“Resist not evil) but to enlighten the truth as a light on the path of your own realisation. If you fight, that darkness enters as hate (negativity) and this is how to win is to lose.
On reflection the Sermon on the Mount appears wise. We all have much to learn from the peacemakers who are on the planet. The question is will we open to peace or continue with fighting?
I love the Israeli’s, the Australian’s, the Jewish and the Muslims and all denominations seeking something higher, as they are me.
I believe Scott Morrison (new Australian Prime Minister) made mention of the Sermon on the Mount. May his maiden speech in the Australian Parliament be understood in the purity in which it was originally spoken.
When we centre on love a new door opens to healing long term conflict. I do not subscribe to any religion but I know that love is the answer. Love is not a religion it is who we all are when we live without a story and trust that life has a profound wisdom far greater than our own. This is the beginning of humility.
Love asks: Can we solve the problem and no longer hate people? Which stance is harder?
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-31/turnbull-meets-with-netanyahu/9101990
Malcolm Turnbull lauds strong relationship with Israel after meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu
Updated
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has witnessed the signing of a defence industry cooperation memorandum with Israel after meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
After a warm ceremonial welcome, the two leaders discussed the shared threat of Islamic terrorism and the need to tighten cyber security as well as increasing cooperation to boost investment between the two countries.
However, Mr Turnbull said the two leaders had a “different perspective” when it came to the Iran nuclear deal.
“We absolutely understand Israel’s very real concerns and anxiety about Iran moving to a nuclear weapons capability, but we are not persuaded that moving away from the agreement would be beneficial in terms of preventing that type of proliferation,” he said.
Mr Turnbull is visiting Israel for the 100th anniversary of the battle of Beersheba but his arrival was delayed due to the fallout from the High Court’s citizenship ruling.
Mr Turnbull said the relationship between the two countries was strong on both a governmental and personal level.
“The courage of the Australians that had fought to defend the same values upon which the state of Israel has been founded,” he said.
“The same values of freedom and democracy, the rule of law, the right to be able to live as you please and not be dictated to.
“We’ve had a very warm meeting, a very good constructive discussion, Bibi and I get on very well, and Bibi and Sara and Lucy and I get along very well, so it’s a very good relationship both at a governmental level and at a personal level.”
Mr Netanyahu returned the compliment, saying there was a “long history” between the two countries.
“Malcolm, you’re a true friend of Israel. Australia is a true friend of Israel and I felt this every moment during a recent trip to Australia,” he said.
“I think our two nations understand one another in the deeper sense. We cherish the value of peace, freedom, democracy.
“We battle the same forces of militant Islam, which threaten not only our two countries but also our common civilisation.
“Your personal commitment to Israel is absolutely clear and it’s appreciated by every citizen of Israel.
“This friendship is at least a century old.”
Topics: federal-parliament, federal-government, government-an