Season’s wishes – for peace and reconciliation 

Local MP, Andrew George, is issuing a message of hope for peace and reconciliation for the festive season. 

Following the terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia on Sunday, he said: “My thoughts are of course with the families and friends of the victims of the appalling terror attack in Australia.  As Jewish communities come together to celebrate Hanukkah, we must stand together with them and against violence and hate. We must all strive to break the cycle of hatred and retribution which fuels these atrocities.” 

Reflecting on his visit to Bethlehem in April 2025 during a tour of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, he contrasts the images of the Bethlehem of Christ’s birth, the nativity story and Christmas carols, with the present day environment of violence, military occupation, displaced refugees, death and conflict. 

 He says, “Singing “Peace on Earth” is not enough. For thousands in Sudan, Ukraine, the Middle East and elsewhere, 2025 has been war, devastation and tragedy”. 

 Reflecting on his visit to the Middle East, his message is one of hope: “Looking forward to 2026, we must continue to strive for peace, for two states – Israel and Palestine – and for both to co-exist and thrive, in mutual respect, secure within their own borders.”