FORMER Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opened a new synagogue in Melbourne amid protests from left-wing Jewish organisations and Palestinian groups.
Businessman and AFL identity Joseph Gutnick spent $3 million on the Chabad House of Caulfield, a replica of the New York Lubavitch headquarters, in the Melbourne suburb of East St Kilda.
More than 50 police blockaded the quiet residential street in East St Kilda after about 100 people from Palestinian and left-wing Jewish groups staged a peaceful protest outside the synagogue.
The protesters, who chanted “Out Israel Out”, raised the Palestinian flag and waved olive branches, claimed that Mr Gutnick and Mr Netanyahu were right-wing “extremists”.
During the 90 minute ceremony, Mr Netanyahu blamed pro-Arafat “propagandists” for vilifying the Israeli people.
“Jerusalem has been our city for 3,000 years and will remain our land for 3000 years,” he told the 500 invited guests.
“We seek peace with our neighbours but it must be a peace based on truth.
“Any attempt to strike a Middle East peace deal based on lies will collapse,” he said, referring to Palestinian claims that Israelis have taken their land.
Today’s official opening was also attended by Victorian Premier Steve Bracks and federal Opposition leader Kim Beazley, who both donned the traditional Jewish yarmulka.
Friends of Palestine spokesman Taimor Hazou said protesters were also demonstrating against Mr Bracks’ and Mr Beazley’s participation in the event.
“Netanyahu has been calling for the escalation of the conflict and invasion of Palestinian territories and the reoccupation of Hebron,” Mr Hazou said.
He said the attendance of Mr Bracks and Mr Beazley at today’s opening of the Chabad House gave legitimacy to Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gutnick’s views.
“Gutnick has withdrawn his support for Howard in the next election – I think the ALP are dollar-dancing to try to get support from Gutnick prior to the Federal election,” Mr Hazou said.
But Mr Beazley said he attended out of respect for Mr Gutnick’s views on racial and cultural matters in Australia, including his support for Aboriginal reconciliation.
“The opening of this synagogue signifies the kind of society Australia is,” Mr Beazley said.
“Australia has always welcomed people from different backgrounds and is enriched by different cultural groups.”
Mr Gutnick said Mr Beazley was a true friend to him and a true friend to the Jewish community.
“I am confident he will make a great prime minister of Australia,” he said.
Mr Netanyahu said he had been very moved over the years by Mr Gutnick’s “constant friendship and indefatigable support”.
