Canterbury-Bankstown Councillors have voted to fly the Lebanese flag in a show of support for all Lebanese Australians and to highlight the unfolding humanitarian crisis in their country.
Councillors unanimously endorsed a Mayoral Minute at last night’s Council Meeting (Tuesday 22 October) to fly the flag at both Bankstown and Campsie on the National Day of Lebanon.
They also agreed to support an interfaith prayer vigil and called on the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns to increase financial funding and aid to the country.
Mayor El-Hayek said the escalating situation in Lebanon was heartbreaking.
“My birthplace, and the birthplace of tens of thousands of residents in our City is burning,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“The physical scars of the landscape pale in comparison to the thousands of lives lost and the physical and mental scars of those injured or left homeless.
“This is a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions.”
According to the 2021 census, a quarter of a million Australians report Lebanese ancestry, with 20 per cent of the Australian Lebanese community living in Canterbury-Bankstown.
Mayor El-Hayek said the bombings must stop and world leaders must unite to put an end to the hostilities.
“Enough is enough! How many more innocent lives must be lost before peace is restored.
“All lives matter, no matter the colour of your skin, your religious beliefs or your place of birth.”
The Lebanese flag will be flown at Bankstown and Campsie on Friday 22 November, to coincide with the National Day of Lebanon (Independence Day).