Labor’s desire to combat any erosion in its support among Jewish voters was on show in parliament yesterday when Opposition Leader Simon Crean and two senior colleagues supported a Liberal backbencher’s private member’s motion supporting Israel.
Alan Cadman, Liberal MP for Mitchell in NSW, moved to commend Israel’s cabinet for its decision to “take positive steps for the resolution of the conflict in the Middle East” by endorsing a road map for peace.
Mr Crean, supported by Foreign Affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd and former Labor leader Kim Beazley, endorsed the motion.
Among Labor’s concerns has been the possible loss of Jewish financial support.
Wealthy Australian Jews have traditionally been strong supporters of the ALP because of its record of opposing fascism.
Mr Rudd, who visited Israel recently as a guest of its government, voiced steadfast support for the Jewish state. He noted that Labor had been an early backer of an independent state for the Jews in Palestine. Mr Crean voiced similar sentiments.
“All Australians applaud the government and the people of Israel for their determination in pushing ahead with the peace process,” Mr Crean said.
“I would urge the Palestinian leadership, including President [Yasser] Arafat to fulfil the expectations of the road map and immediately begin the task of dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism.”
Labor’s show of support for Israel follows sharp questioning in the Jewish media and among Jewish political activists of the opposition’s intentions towards Israel under a Crean-led administration.
This was prompted by comments last year, particularly by Sydney MP Tanya Plibersek who called Israel a “rogue state” and Israeli PM Ariel Sharon a “war criminal.”
Jewish Affairs Council national chairman Mark Leibler said recently that it was important that Mr Crean place on record where he and the ALP stood on the issue.