RSL should condemn the desecration of Gaza war graves

Like the RSL and others, the Medical Association for Prevention of War condemns the recent acts of vandalism of war memorials in Canberra.

Memorials to our war dead are not the place for graffiti, despite the most recent painted message on the Vietnam War Memorial stating correctly that “Israeli bombs desecrate Aussie [war] graves”.

But where was the RSL’s condemnation of the attacks to which the message refers – the damage in March by Israeli forces to the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Gaza, where 263 Australian soldiers are buried?

The organisation appeared to be silent. And please spare us the mantra that Israel was “acting in self-defence”; war graves are not particularly threatening.

Perhaps far more to the point would be for the RSL to condemn Australia’s ongoing political, economic and military relationship with a nation that has been accused of genocide.

That does not reflect the values that we’re told Australians fight for.

Sue Wareham, president, Medical Association for Prevention of War, Canberra