Sydney Morning Herald  22.12.2012

Fatwa ... The head imam at Lakemba Mosque has told the congregation they should not participate in anything to do with Christmas.

THE Lakemba Mosque has issued a fatwa against Christmas, warning followers it is a ''sin'' to even wish people a Merry Christmas.

The religious ruling, which followed a similar lecture during Friday prayers at Australia's biggest mosque, was posted on its Facebook site on Saturday morning.

The head imam at Lakemba, Sheikh Yahya Safi, had told the congregation during prayers that they should not take part in anything to do with Christmas.

Samir Dandan, the president of the Lebanese Muslim Association, which oversees the mosque, could not be reached for comment on Saturday.

The fatwa, which has sparked widespread community debate and condemnation, warns that the "disbelievers are trying to draw Muslims away from the straight path".

It also says that Christmas Day and associated celebrations are among the "falsehoods that a Muslim should avoid ... and therefore, a Muslim is neither allowed to celebrate the Christmas Day nor is he allowed to congratulate them".

The posting of the fatwa has shocked many Muslim leaders. The Grand Mufti of Australia, Ibrahim Abu Mohammad, said the foundations of Islam were peace, co-operation, respect and holding others in esteem.

"Anyone who says otherwise is speaking irresponsibly," he said.

"There is difference between showing respect for someone's belief and sharing those beliefs," Dr Ibrahim said.

Dr Ibrahim said the views did not represent the majority of Muslims in Australia. "We are required to have good relations with all people, and to congratulate them on their joyous events is very important."

The fatwa quotes the teacher Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim as saying that congratulating disbelievers for their rituals is forbidden, and if a "Muslim who says this does not become a disbeliever himself, he at least commits a sin as this is the same as congratulating him for his belief in the trinity, which is a greater sin and much more disliked by Almighty Allaah than congratulating him for drinking alcohol or killing a soul or committing fornication or adultery”.

A community leader, Dr Jamal Rifi, said he did not agree with the school of thought behind the fatwa.

"We can share the festivities with friends and families and neighbours – I don't think there is any civil, religious or ethical reason not to," he said.

Dr Rifi and Sheikh Youssef Nabha, the imam of the Kingsgrove Mosque, are travelling to Nauru on Sunday night with priests from the Maronite and Melkite churches in Sydney to attend Christmas celebrations with the asylum seekers held there.

Dr Rifi said he and Sheikh Youssef would be distributing Christmas cards during the visit.

A community advocate and Muslim convert, Rebecca Kay, told Fairfax Media: "It's sad to see the Lebanese Muslim Association, which considers itself the peak body representing Australian Muslims, with comments like these. It goes to show how far they are from representing the community.

"The notion that Muslims wishing other people a merry Christmas will take them out of their faith is outright ridiculous, laughable and borders on the extreme."

Keysar Trad, a former official with the Lebanese Muslim Association, said in his time with the organisation they used to regularly greet people with merry Christmas. "I don't know what has changed," he said. "But now as a representative of Australia's peak Muslim body, the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, I would like to wish all your readers a merry Christmas and a happy new year."

Foreign Minister Bob Carr today announced over $597,700 to support the human rights of indigenous, poor and marginalised people in the Middle East.   
Senator Carr said Australia’s Human Rights Grants Scheme will fund projects to help reduce poverty by protecting and promoting human rights.
“This round of grants includes over $96,000 to the Lebanese Association for Civil Rights to empower a team of human rights defenders to educate victims in Lebanon,” Senator Carr said.
“This project aims to educate high risk youth and women victims about rights violations and to raise awareness of human rights in Lebanese communities.
“Another grant of $100,000 will go to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights to address human rights violations being perpetrated by police in Egypt
“This project will advocate for a comprehensive police sector reform strategy and against the reinstatement of the emergency law under any form.
“It also aims to end the use of firearms in dispersing demonstrations and provide torture victims with legal assistance.”
Other grants include:
$100,000 to St Andrews Refugee Services for a resettlement legal aid project in Egypt.
$99,971 to Medical Aid for Palestinians for monitoring and reporting mechanisms for human rights violations of marginalised Bedouin communities in the Palestinian Territories.
$97,888 to Jordan Media Institute for media training to expose human rights abuses in Jordan.
$73,848 to Development Iraq to collect data and produce a report on child labour issues in Iraq.
$30,000 to The Human Rights and Democracy Media Centre to promote concepts and principles of human rights within Sharia ’a college students in the Palestinian Territories.
Senator Carr said Australia is proud to be advancing human rights in the Middle East.
“The Human Rights Grants Scheme was established in 1997 and has proven to be an effective way for Australia to support human rights activities in all regions of the world,” Senator Carr said.
“In 2011-12, the scheme supported NGOs and human rights institutions to implement 41 projects across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
“We’ll build on these successes in 2012-13 with 42 projects scheduled to begin in 32 countries.”
Organisations selected for funding under the Human Rights Grants Scheme face a rigorous selection process.

Once shortlisted by Australia’s diplomatic missions overseas, organisations are selected by a committee which includes an independent panel of human rights experts.

The expert panel plays an invaluable role in identifying high quality projects which will support our goal of enhancing human rights for poor people through the aid program.
Further information is available at the Human Rights Grants Scheme website: www.ausaid.gov.au/business/other_opps/Pages/humanrights_scheme.aspx
Media contact: (02) 6277 7500

Recently, I interviewed the Honourable Chris Bowen, Minister for Immigration and Member for McMahon. We spoke about immigration policy decisions and his recent trip to Lebanon.
I asked about the recent comment by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay, that called conditions in Nauru unbearable. Minister Bowen said that the Commissioner’s comments did not reflect the true circumstances in Nauru. He emphasised that the overwhelming moral obligation on the current government is to save lives and that is what current policies strive to achieve.
There was a recent government decision to allow refugees to settle in Australia on bridging visas as they waited for the processing of their Australian residency applications. Mr Bowen believed that the Malaysian Arrangement would have prevented this outcome. He also said that the people on these bridging visas would not jump the queue and would have to wait up to five years for their application to be heard in accordance with international waiting times. These refugees will not be granted temporary working visas. “People smugglers are selling the right to work in Australia and granting temporary working visas would further encourage them to continue this practice,” he said.
I also mentioned the recent reopening of the detention centre in Tasmania. Mr Bowen said that it would relieve some of the pressure in other detention centres and that it was a positive decision, supported by the Tasmanian Government who wanted it reopen because of the financial wealth it generates for the local economy.
Mr Bowen said that he had a fantastic time in Lebanon and met with the President, the Prime Minister, the Speaker and various other officials. He said he was glad he made the decision to go despite the assassination of the late Mr Wissam Al-Hassa right before his departure. “Friends are there in times of need. I was glad to go to Lebanon, express my condolences and offer my support,” he said.
Mr Bowen met with religious leaders from the Shiite and Sunni faiths and, although the Maronite Patriach and Melkite Bishop were not in Lebanon at the time, he enjoyed his visit to Our Lady of Lebanon Church. He payed respects at the grave of the late Mr Rafiq Al-Harriri and was one of the first Western officials to visit the grave of the late Mr Wissam Al-Hassa.
The Minister visited a Palestinian refugee camp just outside Beirut. He said that the conditions were very devastating and that the refugee situation in Lebanon was very difficult. “Almost 30,000 people in half a kilometre is clearly indicative of the difficult situation Lebanese authorities are facing,” he said. When asked what could be done to assist he replied, “The Australian Government, and other western countries, need to assist to resettle Lebanon’s refugees in Western countries.”
“I was pleased to have an opportunity to express to the Lebanese President the positive contribution Lebanese Australians have made to Australia”, Mr Bowen said. He was also grateful to have had the opportunity to express his thanks to Lebanon for supporting Australia’s bid for a United Nations Security Council seat from the very beginning.
Mr Bowen also visited Lebanese villages. “During my stay I was fortunate enough to visit Becharre, Hadshit, Al-Minia and Kfersghab. The villages were very beautiful and I enjoyed my time in Lebanon very much,” he said.

As his educating and clear crystal superb interview with the LBC TV shows, this Lebanese Sunni MP, Jamal Al Jarah proved without a shed of doubt that  he is really great in both Knowledge and patriotism. He  bravely witnessed for Lebanon and the truth.

Personally, as a Maronite Lebanese Diaspora advocate I did enjoy much his logic, analysis, self respect and love for peace and democracy. I did at the same time admire and hail  his appealing intelligence in calling the shots as they are without any cosmetics or cajoling. People like him are real Lebanese soul and heart.

In occupied Lebanon, (the occupier is the Iranian-Syrian Axis of Evil), We need his likes and those real men of his Lebanese caliber to be Lebanon's MP'S, politicians and leaders. Mean while definitely and without any sort of hesitation or any doubt the Lebanese do not want or even dream to have now or in the future any chameleons, opportunist, and heartless Lebanese dignitaries in any position that sadly resemble the derailed Maronite MP, Michael Aoun and the arrogant and pro Axis of Evil Maronite Patriarch, Buchara Al Raei.

In my own modest, but surely extreme Lebanese opinion as a Maronite, and with a peaceful conscience and full conviction believe that if Maronitism (being a Christian  Lebanese Maronite) is courage, nationalism, love for Lebanon, sacrifice, championing of freedom, independence and rights, Mr. Jamal Al Jarah the Muslim Sunni Lebanese MP, is a more Maronite than both  Maronites Alraei and Aoun.

The free Lebanese from all walks of life and denominations in both Lebanon and Diaspora have a national and ethical obligation to give all the credits that Al Jarah deserves, and the at same time expose the anti Lebanese and pro Axis of Evil stances, rhetoric, advocacy and alliances adopted by Michael Aoun, Al Raei, Bishop Mazloum and all the other 8th of March puppet Christians who are in reality notorious temple merchants.

Al Jarah in his interview listed with documentations, proves and actuality the devastating dangers and hazards of the Iranian armed Shiite Lebanese Militia on every thing that is Lebanese, peace, law, judiciary, coexistence, human rights, equality, freedom, democracy and civilization.

Al Jarah enumerated tens of out law and shameful atrocities from all kinds and on all levels that Hezbollah and his puppets like Michael Aoun and others are blatantly and openly committing, including embezzlement, bribery, stealing the Lebanese institutions, not paying taxes, trafficking, planting and manufacturing all addictive drugs, organized crime, terrorism, planning and executing mercenary assignments as dictated by the Iranian Mullahs all over the world.

According to Al Jarah, Hezbollah does not believe in the Lebanese state or in its constitution, and according directly and indirectly, covertly and overtly is endeavoring  via well organized set of schemes to destroy all Lebanon's institutions and totally marginalize its governing bodies.

In regards to the Maronite Christian, MP, Michael and his followers, Al Jarah stated that Hezbollah has bribed Aoun with the telecommunication and the electricity ministries' portfolios where Hezbollah Leadership cover with a blind eye all the stealing, bribery, embezzlement and other outlaw activities that pro Aoun officials commit on daily basis.

In reality, Hezbollah has nothing to do with resistance, liberation or any actual patriotic Lebanese or Arabic causes by any means. Hezbollah is an Iranian militant brigade, a division of Iran's notorious Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Revolutionary_Guards_Corps). According to dozens of well documented and trustworthy reports, Hezbollah continues to run a vast, well organized and extremely sophisticated global network of drug trafficking, crime, terrorism and arms trafficking, infiltrating many Arab states, Israel, Mexico, Canada, Australia, United States, Europe, South America and numerous previous Islamic states of the USSR.

It worth mentioning that Hezbollah's leadership and its mujahedin are totally entrapped in their own world of Iranian denominational fantasies and dogmas. Accordingly, the criteria and standards of what is right and wrong to which they abide, honor and follow are totally set up and shaped by the Iranian mullahs. These anti-democratic and oppressive criteria and standards are continuously manipulated, changed, adjusted and shuffled by the Iranian mullahs to suit their dream of reviving the Persian Empire. Accordingly and due to this twisted psychological and radical Islamic religious training and breeding, Hezbollah's leadership is unpredictable and cannot be trusted by any means. They are blood merchants and sadly their merchandise is the people of Lebanon, including their own community members. They do not care who starves or even who dies. They have no actual or permanent allies or friends, only hired and temporary followers and mercenaries, who have been bought with the Iranian petrodollar "Clean Money".

In conclusion Al Jarah emphasized that Lebanon can not by any way reclaim its confiscated independence, freedom, sovereignty, endangered coexistence and actual identity as long as the terrorist Hezbollah remains armed, running his own ministate, fully controlling the country's decision making process by force and intimidation while holding with a monopoly grip on the war and peace decision.

Billionaire brothers build 450ft longlife-size replica of Noah's Ark in Hong Kong Having been built, according to the Bible, thousands of years ago, Noah's Ark has only ever existed in peoples' imaginations. But now a group of architects who pondered what the Biblical vessel looked like have turned their dreams into reality by constructing a Noah's Ark replica, complete with animals.

CHECK THE RAINBOW!     It is as if God is saying "THANK YOU"!

The billionaire brothers who built the Ark in Hong Kong claim it is the only full-scale version in the world

And the imaginative trio even attempted to give the giant boat an air of authenticity by placing 67 pairs of animals at the entrance, just like the pairs of creatures saved from the Great Flood by Noah in the Bible tale.

Sadly, the Lebanese, Maronite Christian MP, Micheal Aoun, the Syrian-Iranian puppet and the notorious derailed Trojan horse politician has become totally electively blind, not only in his physical vision, but also in his mind, heart and conscience. This politically selfish merchant declared boldly and without any kind of shame or self-respect that there are no outlaw zones (security zones) in Lebanon.

"Aoun: There are border regions that don't enjoy sovereignty. There are no security zones and those who committed violations on the airport road were arrested and put in jail,� he noted. (Naharnet, November 20/12)

He is so psychologically blind that he no longer sees the Hezbollah mini-state, the Palestinians, Ahmad Jebriel's Syrian military camps in Nahme, Helwa, Kousaya, Kfarzabed, Yanta, Dair Al Ghazal and Sultan Yacoub, or the 12 Palestinian armed camps, or even the Ali Eid's mini- al-Assad Baathist armed state in Tripoli (North Lebanon) among many others spread all over occupied Lebanon.

Yes, Lebanon is occupied because the country is not independent or free under any given rational criteria or laws due to the fact that the Axis of Evil Syrian and Iranian armed terrorists fully control its decision making process and entirely run all its governmental institutions, including its armed forces, cabinet and judiciary.

Aoun is blind by choice to an extent that he is not any more mentally oriented to be capable of recognizing in his very sick and opportunist mind that all these outlaw areas are not under legitimate Lebanese control or authority. Aoun really needs to see a psychiatrist, because his blindness is selective and physical.

The national Lebanese dilemma is no longer linked to this man who is ready to sell and trade anything for his own personal gain, but in the subservient mentality of many Lebanese Christians who follow Aoun wherever he goes and support him in any rhetoric or policies that he decides on no matter what the consequences are deluded.

Unfortunately Aoun has poisoned and corrupted the minds of his supporters and killed in them all critical abilities, discretion and initiatives. They follow him blindly and think that he knows everything and is superior in his vision and future prospects to theirs.

One might ask why all these Lebanese Christian citizens from all walks of life still see in Aoun a redeemer in spite of all his chameleon, pro-Axis of Evil rhetoric, crystal clear anti-Lebanese stances, narcissism and demagoguery?

The disappointing answer lies in the fact that all the other Christian leaders and parties, including the Maronite Patriarch, Bchara Al Raei, are worse than Aoun in all domains and are not seen by the majority of the Lebanese Christians as genuine patriotic substitutes. In reality, the shameful political records of these anti-Aoun politicians are so blemished and even considerably more rotten than those of Aoun.

It is very obvious that that the Lebanese in general, and the Lebanese Christians in particular need to produce new leadership to replace those who have failed in accordance with all national and ethical standards. The current bunch of Lebanese politicians from all denominations and ideologies have seriously failed to represent the Lebanese ambitions, address their fears and to propose solid plans to tackle the country�s hardships and problems.

It is worth mentioning that due to the devastating war in Gaza and because of Hezbollah's occupation of all Lebanon, an open conflict could be replicated between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian terrorist proxy organization, at any time.

In the same context one wonders about what is keeping the European countries from putting Hezbollah on their terrorist lists. This European stance has to be decided ASAP to join ongoing  global anti terrorism efforts spearheaded by the USA, Canada and Australia. The same applies to all the Arabic countries where Hezbollah is acting as an Iranian armed proxy to destabilize their peace and instigate chaos especially that many of these countries are now seeing in Iran as the actual existential threat and not Israel.

Meanwhile, Lebanon will not regain its independence, sovereignty, peace, stability and freedom before forging a fair and long-lasting peace accord with Israel as was the situation with Jordan and Egypt. Such an accord will put an end to the ongoing schemes of those fanatical Arabists, terrorists, jihadists and others who have been using Lebanon since the early seventies, against the will of the majority of its people, as a terrorist battle field to wage camouflaged and deceitful wars against Israel. These terrorists, the PLO, and the Arabists between 1975 till 1982 and the Iranian Hezbollah Shiite militia since then are the actual Lebanese problem

Dear Friends,

Multicultural Media at a Crossroads Conference 2013

I wish to invite you to the Multicultural Media at a Crossroads conference on 25 February 2013 in the Parliamentary Theatrette at NSW Parliament House.

This Conference is a joint initiative of the Multicultural Media Awards and the University of Technology, Sydney and aims to tackle the key issues threatening multicultural and Indigenous media.

Among the industry leaders and academics to speak at the conference, I would also extend an invitation for you make a presentation at the event.  Proposals for presentations are to be submitted via email to s.moselmane@parliament.nsw.gov.au before 5:00pm on 10 December 2012.

Details are as follows:

--------------------------------------------

9:30am for 10:00am start
25 February 2013

Parliamentary Theatrette
NSW Parliament House
Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

RSVP: s.moselmane@parliament.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9230 2526

Proposals for presentations from interested speakers must be submitted before 5:00pm, 10 December 2012.

Please fill out a copy of the proposal form here: http://bit.ly/WrEUL5

Email: s.moselmane@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Post: Shaoquett Moselmane, NSW Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Fax: (02) 9230 2722

----------------------------------------------

In the meantime you and your members can keep up to date with what I'm doing on this and other issues via Facebook at http://on.fb.me/shaoquett.

Feel free to forward this email by clicking here. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

The Australian Lebanese Zahle Association of Victoria (ALZAV) is proudly planting Two Cedar Trees next to the Lebanese Migrant Statue during the Independence Day Event organized by the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) VIC, attached is the flyer from WLCU, the Festival starts 1pm and planting the Cedars will be 2.30pm at Ray Bramham Gardens – Corner Bell St and St George Rd, Preston “Free Event – all welcome”
     We live 90 Years, they do 5000 Yrs,
  so Let us plant it together for our future generations...and for our Aussie - Lebanese community in Victoria...

It is going to be great family day with a good weather forecast..,

Hope to see you there

Regards

Amine Tohme
ALZAV

Australian Lebanese Zahle Association of Victoria
Together to strengthen Bonds...

 If you are in Dallas between now and Thanksgiving, you should visit the Dallas Arboretum. This seasonal displays are simply outstanding. There are 50,000 pumpkins in their displays again this year.

Dazzling Fall Color at the Dallas Arboretum

Government is often considered the most intrusive organisation. Governments are held accountable for the welfare of their constituency. I am nominating for National Policy Forum (NPF) because I would like the opportunity to communicate with Labor Party members and reflect their concerns back to the decision makers.

I am optimistic about Labor’s future and would like the opportunity to be involved with the NPF because I believe it provides an opportunity for greater community consultation. I hope the outcome of my participation will be more widely representative policy.
The recent NSW Council Elections demonstrated that we have lost touch with our Labor voters. Many traditionally Labor supporters were alienated, particularly in Western Sydney. It is imperative to reconnect with the reform and zeal of the Labor past and reaffirm our commitment to those most dependent on Labor.

I am a law and economics student, studying at the University of New South Wales. I am a second-generation Australian. Both my parents are Arabic Speaking. I currently work part-time for both the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Finance Sector Union (FSU). I am a young member of the party, have been involved in many Labor campaigns and ran on the Holroyd Labor ticket in the recent Council Elections.

I joined the Labor Party because I believe it is necessary to defend the rights of the working class, to improve the circumstances of the disadvantaged, to engage with sound economic policy that ensures the future of this country and improves equality. I know these are core Labor Party ideals. I am motivated by these ideals and would ensure they are prominent considerations in all the NPF’s decisions.

Having worked in an Electorate Office, I appreciate that there is often varied community interest and opinion on policy. I will strive to ensure that all views expressed to me are properly considered. I believe the NPF will provide an opportunity to rebuild our strong Labor ideals and ensure the future. It is necessary to embrace a new way of thinking and to support members who have relied and depended on Labor. The NPF should be utilised to create innovative and sound policy, allowing us to revive the party and rejuvenate our approach. I would love the opportunity to be involved with this on your behalf.

Voting opens Monday the 5th of Novmeber 2012 at 9am. You can vote by following this link: https://www.bigpulse.com/62273/register

Sandra Kaltoum
0425 391 911
 

Our mailing address is:
3/254 Pitt St,
Merrylands NSW 2160


 

"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink". (John 07/37)

No matter what we ask Almighty God for in our prayers, He definitely shall listen attentively to our requests and respond in the time, way, mode and manner that He sees with His great wisdom and love  good, fair and appropriate for us. If we fully trust in Him, obey His Commands, and pray with faith and sincerity, there is no doubt that He will hear and come to our rescue when we call on Him. 

Almighty God always responds to our prayers, but because of our very limited human intellectual capabilities, we do not entirely understand or grasp how we were helped, when and where. "You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it. "(Matthew 21/22)

It is very true that Almighty God knows not only about all our acts and conduct, but also, He is fully aware all the time of all our thoughts and intentions. He knows what our needs are, and also what we want before asking Him, but still He wants us to take the initiative, talk to Him, share with Him, let Him know what we need and most importantly fully trust in Him.

He is a loving Father and we are His children. A  loving father will always listen to His children and give them all that He has.  Even bad and evil fathers give their children all what they ask for and need, if these fathers have in their possession what their children are asked for. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone" (Matthew 7/9). "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him" (Matthew 7/11)

Some people and because of their lack of faith and hope might question, defy, argue and say, if God truly is our loving Father and knows all that much about us, then why we even should ask Him for what we need, or bother to pray for Him?  They blindly continue to say, If He is our father then He has the duty and obligation to provide us with all our needs without any terms, conditions or praying rituals.

Wrong thinking, wrong approach and wrong attitude. Our Father wants to be sure that we His children truly love him and that we are always fear Him in all what we do, think or say. He wants us to be respectful, loving, forgiving, modest, sincere, transparent, helpful, friendly, obedient, generous and share with Him all our burdens, hardships and fears. He wants us to ask Him for all that we need. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 07/07"

The answer to this kind of futile and childish thinking is very simple and comes under the broad title of freedom. God granted us full freedom through His crucifixion and gave us the free choice of either to follow His commandments in both acts and rhetoric, or to do other wise, follow the devil's temptations and live as sinners.

This gracious and unlimited freedom will end and expire on the Judgment Day when we shall be either rewarded or punished according to our life time span acts and works. "Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11/28)

Almighty God, our loving Father wants us to obey Him in a bid to be qualified to return to His heaven. "And receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him"(01 John 3/22). "My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit". (Isaiah 65/14)

Those of us who do not obey are punished and thrown in hell to pay for their disobedience and sinful earthly life. "But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8/12). "The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing." (Psalm 112/10)
�For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord� (Romans 6:23).

"I love the Lord, because he hears me; he listens to my prayers. He listens to me every time I call to him". (Psalm 116/01-02)

In conclusion, we are God's children. He gave us the freedom to maintain this parental holy bondage in a bid to return to His heavenly mentions, or to break this bondage, abandon it, follow our sinful instincts, and give up the eternal life to end in hell. Because He is a loving and caring Father He is always ready to listen and respond to our prayers. So let us pray and pray with, joy, faith, hope and trust.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (0I Thessalonians 5/16 and 18/16).
All what we need to do is to ask Him for our needs and put our burdens on His shoulders and no evil thing can effect or control us. "What shall we then say to these things, If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans.08/31".

Speaker The Hon Shaoquett Moselmane

Business Adjournment speech  

THE MIDDLE EAST

The Hon. SHAOQUETT MOSELMANE [10.36 p.m.]:

I was delighted to hear that Australia recently won a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council. The Federal Labor Government and, in particular, our Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Bob Carr, must be congratulated on the effort and success. It is also a credit to the former Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, who laid the foundation to this victory.

With this success though comes a heavy responsibility. We have a responsibility to be fair and just and to look at international issues with both eyes wide open. Our credibility as a fair and responsible nation demands that we take just and fair decisions.

I hope that we maintain this position on the United Nations Security Council for the next five years and into the future as the United Nations deals with the tensions of the Middle East that directly affect, in one way or another, the Australian Arabic Community. 

So a peaceful future is as critical to the Arab peoples in the Middle East as it is to the Arabic community in New South Wales. We must be sensitive to their fears and we must be wary not to advertently or inadvertently play on political or sectarian differences or on charged political emotions that trouble some in the New South Wales Arabic community.

The Middle East is slipping into poverty and economic, social and political instability. The recent killing of the Lebanese Chief of Security had Lebanon teetering on the verge of civil war, only to be held back by some wise political leadership and, thankfully, a united Lebanese army. Now awash with weapons, Lebanon is an arena for regional and international disputes, ready to ignite.

I sincerely hope and wish that that does not happen.  Syria's internal war has to date accounted for the death of an estimated 30,000 innocent civilians, and sadly there is no resolution in sight. Syria's internal military conflict, fuelled by national, regional and international power play, has now spilled into Turkey with Kurdish fighters engaged in border combat with Turkish army units on a daily basis.

The Jordanians were recently successful in uncovering a terrorist plot, but the Jordanian authorities may not be able to prevent future internal strife. That in turn will have significant ramifications for the Palestinian people and the political dynamics with neighbouring Israel.

After seven decades of Israeli occupation, another Palestinian Intifada may well be on the cards. Libya and Iraq remain deep in military and political tension, and the Arab Gulf has not escaped turmoil with the Bahrain clamp down and tensions in other Gulf states remain high. I raise these issues so as to bring some light on and understanding of the many issues, as well as the political and military conflicts, that are of concern to the Arabic community of New South Wales. The Australian Arabic community is a diverse group of people coming from across 23 countries in the so-called Middle East.

They differ in historical, cultural, religious and sectarian backgrounds. However, they are united in language and to some degree by political traditions. Whether Coptic Egyptians, or Bahrani or any other communities coming from the Arab world, they are all in deep fear for the wellbeing of their families and friends, and for the future of their communities. 

Many of these communities have developed a growing sense of apprehension about tensions in the region and rightly so given the deteriorating circumstances. Unity amongst the Arabic community remains firm but cracks have emerged. Thankfully, most community leaders remain vigilant against emerging cracks and any attempt by extremists who seek to play on the community's sectarian and political differences.

The overwhelming majority of the leadership in the New South Wales community are alert and aware of the consequences of sectarian tensions. To their credit, they have resisted sectarian conflict and, as we have seen following the recent Sydney protest, they came together in a show of unity.

I take this opportunity to congratulate them and the leadership of the Australian Arabic community on their understanding and capacity to read the situation and resist rising emotions to get involved in the raging tensions of the Middle East.

Motion to welcome His Grace Bishop Daniel moved and agreed to by the Legislative Council NSW Parliament. 

Speaker Moselmane The Hon Shaoquett

Business of the House 

 

TRIBUTE TO HIS GRACE BISHOP DANIEL Motion by the Hon. SHAOQUETT MOSELMANE agreed to:

1.That this House notes that:

(a)His Grace Bishop Daniel returned to the Diocese of Sydney, Australia on 27 September 2012,

(b)the Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane, MLC, along with the Hon. Amanda Fazio, MLC, and the Hon. David Clarke, MLC, attended a church service at St Marks Cathedral, Arncliffe to welcome His Grace back to Australia after a period of absence,

(c)on 23 June 2002, His Grace was ordained Bishop for Sydney, Australia and its Affiliated Regions by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, and was named His Grace Bishop Daniel,

(d)since his ordination, His Grace has worked tirelessly for Copts throughout his vast diocese including St Marks Cathedral Arncliffe and St Mina and St Mary's Church at Bexley,

(e)His Grace has made and will continue to make an invaluable contribution to the Australian Coptic community, and

(f)the Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane, MLC, will host a special occasion in the Parliament of New South Wales to welcome him amongst his community and friends.

2.That this House:

(a)notes the return of His Grace Bishop Daniel to Australia, and

(b)wishes him and the Australian Coptic community every success.

Motion by the Hon. SHAOQUETT MOSELMANE, agreed to:

1.That this House notes that:

(a)Mr Nabil Tannous, a stalwart of Arabic radio broadcasting, passed away in Sydney earlier this week after a long battle with cancer, 

(b)Mr Tannous was born 7 July 1937 and is well known for his role as Coordinator of the Arabic program on SBS Radio in the 1980s,

(c)Mr Tannous was active at Radio 2000 FM for the past twenty years, since its establishment in 1992,

(d)in the late 1990s, Mr Tannous donated the seed funding required to re-establish Radio 2000 FM and was an ardent supporter of the revival process after the station was closed down,

(e)Mr Tannous is an Australian of Palestinian descent and has been one of the most influential voices for the Arabic-speaking community of New South Wales, 

(f)Mr Tannous is survived by his son Anthony, and

(g)Mr Tannous was buried on 23 October 2012 after a mass at St Nicholas Church, Henry Street Punchbowl at 11.00 am.

2.That this House notes the passing of Nabil Tannous and expresses its condolences to his son Anthony, relatives, the Arabic media and the wider Arabic community in New South Wales.

Eid al Adha

I am delighted to join you for Eid al-Adha (id al ata) or the Feast of the Sacrifice which marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Today Muslims around the world give thanks.

This celebration is a reminder of the important role of Islam in the lives of many Australians.

Australia is home to nearly half a million Muslims and Islam is our country's third largest religion (behind Christianity and Buddhism). 

Australian Muslims contribute strongly to Australian society.

Over a quarter of our current population was born overseas.

Over 300 ancestries were identified in the 2011 Census.

Almost one in five Australians speaks a language other than English at home.

In my first speech as a Senator in March, I quoted the King of Jordan, King Abdullah II.

In 2004 he said: “Let us avert the clash of civilisations, and help the overlap of cultures. Let us partner for peace.”

And I have worked hard to promote this since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The Australian Government funds a multitude of inter-faith, cultural overlap and community development activities overseas.

In the Philippines, our Strengthening Grassroots Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding small grants program supports peace-building activities by local community groups and NGOs. 

Since 2006, it has funded 98 projects, mainly in conflict-affected areas of Muslim Mindanao. 

The Indonesia BRIDGE program (Building Relations through Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement) supports school partnerships between Australia and Indonesia. 

By the end of 2015, a network of 254 schools and 512 teachers will be established with indirect engagement of 1800 Australian and 250 Indonesian teachers and 100,000 Indonesian and 76,000 Australian students. 

Australia is contributing funding towards an “Australia Arab Women’s Dialogue” to be held across Australia in March 2013. 

Eight young women leaders from the Middle East and North Africa will participate in this dialogue. 

Through the Council for Australia-Arab Relations, we have provided 2,867 Australian high schools with a resource kit called ‘Arab Gateways.’ 

The kit aims to improve understanding of the Arab world by focusing on its geography, economy, culture and heritage. 

The kit comprises a book and student activity sheets, and interactive CD, films and web links and a website.

In 2004, Australia and Indonesia established the Regional Interfaith Dialogue (RID). 

The RID has brought together religious leaders, civil society, academia and media from South East Asia and the Pacific.



As Muslims gather to honour the will to sacrifice and the blessings of mercy, our thoughts are with those who are suffering in conflicts across the globe.

One of the worst of these is the tragedy in Syria. 

I acknowledge that many here – and many of your friends – are families and individuals who have experienced this crisis first hand – and have come to seek safety in Australia.

In September I met representatives of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Australia.

The dimensions of this crisis are appalling

Estimated 34,000 killed

More than two million in need of humanitarian assistance

More than 1 million internally displaced

More than 350,000 refugees registered or awaiting registration in neighbouring countries.

The Assad regime has deployed the most brutal and horrifying tactics against the men, women and children of Syria.

On August 4, I visited refugee camps at Za-atri and Bashabsheh in Jordan and met those who have fled the crisis in Syria.

Australia has committed over $24 million in aid

making us the third-largest national humanitarian donor.

The press statement issued by the UNSC on October 24 was a positive step.

The Council has made clear its support for the initiative of the Joint Special Representative of the UN and Arab League, Lakhdar Brahimi, for a ceasefire over the Eid Al Adha holiday (starts Friday October 26, goes for 3-4 days).

Australia strongly supports Mr Brahimi’s initiative.

We call on the Syrian Government and all opposition forces in Syria to implement a ceasefire.

It is critical that all sides agree to Mr Brahimi’s proposal.

It would be a significant, first step towards peace.

It would allow some space for genuine political dialogue and improved humanitarian access.

But we have seen ceasefires broken before in Syria, so it remains to be seen if this will occur. 

Australia also strongly supports the UNSC’s call for all parties – and in particular the Syrian authorities – to cooperate fully with the UN and others on the provision of humanitarian assistance.

I recently put forward a plan for Syria’s health sector

Securing a commitment from all sides not to target medical personnel or facilities; and not to block access to doctors, hospitals or emergency care

Consideration of a neutral third party to monitor implementation of the plan; and

Continued provision of humanitarian assistance.

I have discussed this plan with Joint Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi; UN Emergency Coordinator Valerie Amos; Arab League Secretary General Nabil El Araby; and the Foreign Ministers of Turkey (Davutoğlu) and Belgium (Reynders).

Lebanon

The crisis in Syria poses a serious risk to stability in the region.

It is already spilling over its borders – to Turkey and more recently to Lebanon.

The Australian Government strongly condemns the car bomb attacks that occurred in eastern Beirut on October 19.

Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured.

Many people here have strong family and personal connections in Lebanon and this attack has been felt deeply.

I’ve been advised that members of the community have travelled to Lebanon to grieve with and support friends and family.

This is the first bombing attack in Beirut since 2008.

At this stage no group has claimed responsibility.

We call on all parties, internationally and within Lebanon and Syria, to exercise restraint - further escalation of this violence is in no one’s interests.

For now, we must let Lebanese intelligence and security forces conduct their investigations and allow their legal processes to run their course.

Those responsible for these cowardly attacks must be brought to justice.

Palestine

Australia supports a negotiated two-state solution that will lead to an independent Palestinian state.

I visited the Palestinian Territories and Israel in August – and urged for negotiations to resume.

I underlined to the Israeli’s that settlement activity was unhelpful to the peace process and should stop.

While in Ramallah on August 6, I met President Abbas, Prime Minister Fayyad and Foreign Minister Al-Malki.

I have reaffirmed that both President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad would be welcome visitors to Australia.

Australia’s support for the Palestinian people and Palestinian institution building is a tangible commitment to the peace process

$300 million over five years, including:

$90 million to UNRWA for Palestinian refugees

$120 million direct budget support to the Palestinian Authority.

Australia has changed our position on nine UN resolutions since 2007 in support of Palestinian interests.

On a possible UNGA resolution on Palestinian statehood – Australia will decide if and when a resolution is referred to the Assembly based on merits of the text.

Australia – Arab links

Since becoming Foreign Minister I have visited 10 countries in the Middle East and north Africa – Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Palestinian Territories and Egypt.

In Cairo in September, I met:

The President of Egypt, Mohammed Morsi

Arab League Secretary General Nabil El-Araby

His Eminence Sheikh El Tayeb Grand Imam of Al Azha

His Grace, Bishop Bakhomios, Acting Patriarch of the Coptic Church.

Australia’s formal links with regional organisations are growing:

I participated in the second Australia- Gulf Cooperation Council dialogue in New York last month

We have a formal dialogue with the Arab League

And we have a framework of cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

We have senior officials talks with the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and Iraq

We have agreed to hold these talks with Libya, Oman, Algeria and Morocco

We have long-standing links with the Arab world

trade $13.4 billion in 2011;

over 18,000 students from Middle East studying in Australia in 2011; and

over 370,000 Australians of Arab descent.

Australia is supporting the democratic transition of:

Egypt ($20.8 million over 2011-15);

Tunisia ($4.8 million)

Libya ($44.6 million);

Iraq ($360 million since 2003).

Innocence of Muslims

It is these links that we must remind ourselves of in the face of the efforts of extremist minorities to incite violence or create gaps between cultures.

I said at the time, that the work behind Innocence of Muslims was that of a lone nutter.

It was abhorrent.

And the acts of violence we saw in the streets of Sydney were those of a minority.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leaders of Australia’s Muslim community, both in Sydney and Melbourne in particular, for their efforts in quelling this unrest and encouraging community members to express their outrage at this film through peaceful and constructive means.

 Labor MLC Shaoquett Moselmane today called for the Aboriginal Flag to be displayed inside the Chamber of the state's Upper House of Parliament.

 "The Legislative Assembly already displays the Aboriginal Flag, and it is surprising that the Legislative Council does not."

 "We should display the Aboriginal Flag alongside the Australian Flag and the Flag of New South Wales," Mr Moselmane said.

 "The Legislative Council is the oldest legislative body in Australia – having first met in 1824."

 "While this is a symbolic gesture, I think it speaks volumes about our state's history and recognises our first nation," he said.

 Mr Moselmane cemented his calls for the flag to be displayed by introducing a motion in the Legislative Council this morning and placed on the Notice Paper. 

 It will be debated in the Legislative Council in the coming weeks.

“The Cedar” –“Lebanon”:

Two words that we all cherish and strive to uphold and protect for what they represent.....

Today I had the pleasure of attending a most enjoyable day at Darling harbour.

A day where the name of Lebanon was placed on a pedestal, thanks to the Folkloric Group which carries its name.

I had the impression that I was going to see there all or at least many of the Community Leaders whom I thought would attend to see the Lebanese Flag flying and to support a Lebanese group honouring the name of Lebanon. 

For obvious reasons I will keep my opinion to myself....

May we all rest in peace..

Congratulations Elie on a very successful Carnival and Thank you for positively promoting the name of Lebanon.

Sincerely and God Bless

Raymond

In an embarrassment for the O'Farrell Government, Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello has admitted only introducing one piece of legislation in his portfolio in 18 months.

Questioned by Labor members of the NSW Parliament today at his yearly Budget estimates session, Mr Dominello could only point to a standard Bill he introduced in June for a new working with children check:

Β·        Shaoquett Moselmane MLC: So you've only introduced one piece of legislation?

Β·        Minister Dominello: That's correct.

Β·        Shaoquett Moselmane MLC: Minister, what have you been doing for 18 months?

Shaoquett Moselmane MLC said: "Victor Dominello's always the first Minister to show up for a photo opportunity – but he's not actually doing any work where it counts.

"Mr Dominello's admission that he's introduced just one piece of legislation in 18 months proves that multicultural communities are not receiving the vigorous representation from the State Government they deserve.

"Time and again, the Minister has failed his duty.

"Mr Dominello failed to stand up for migrant communities when the O'Farrell Government cut $1.7 billion out of the NSW education system – including Catholic, Islamic, Greek Orthodox and Jewish schools.

"Mr Dominello was nowhere when the O'Farrell Government raised TAFE fees by 9.5 percent – making it too expensive for many people to enrol in a foreign language course.

"Parents from migrant communities believe passionately in education – but if Mr Dominello won't represent their interests around the Cabinet table, why is he even there?"

At this morning's session Mr Dominello also declined to repudiate offensive statements by his NSW Liberal colleague Peter Phelps. Last month, Mr Phelps demanded an end to multiculturalism and described Government programs benefitting multicultural communities as a "waste of money".

Helen Westwood MLC said: "Mr Dominello is meant to be our State's leading advocate for diversity – so why hasn't he pulled his Liberal colleague into line?

"Labor will always stand up for multiculturalism and the values of tolerance and respect.

"Clearly, there is an ugly strain within the NSW Liberal Party and Victor Dominello and Barry O'Farrell are too weak to knock it on the head."

**

"This is simply untrue", Mr Moselmane said.

"Labor in fact made eleven separate changes to this Act in 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2010. A quick Google search of this Bill online would have told the Minister that.

"Minister Dominello is simply just trying to cover for the fact that he has only passed one bill in his entire time as Minister.

"Labor delivered this Act, and Mr Dominello's comments show that he indeed has faith in the laws introduced by the previous Labor Government."

In an interview yesterday with The Filipino Australian, Minister Dominello said:

  

“There is a perfectly fine piece of legislation in place, the Community Relations Commission Act 2000. During the past 11 years the Labor Party did not see the need to tinker with it.”

Victor Dominello
10 October 2012

Source: The Filipino Australian
http://www.thefilipinoaustralian.com/news/index.php/2012/10/10/budget-estimates-session-highlights-multicultural-debate/

 "Not only has Mr Dominello introduced just one Bill throughout his entire time as Minister, but he obviously does not understand this Act," Mr Moselmane said.

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