Good political leadership requires a strong moral compass: the ability to see the difference between good and evil, right and wrong, justice and injustice. It’s not always easy. We live in an imperfect world governed by imperfect people. But this is a precise moment that demands a precise moral judgement. This is not a time for moral relativism or equivocation. October 7th was a reminder that evil exists. The brutal Hamas attack on Israel was cold-blooded murder. Innocent men, women, and children were slaughtered by Hamas jihadis wielding Kalashnikovs, grenades and rockets. Without mercy. It was evil. It was unprovoked. We must condemn it. And it must be met by the sword, as Israel exercises its right to self-defence. See here for my speech on Israel and Hamas during the week. Regards  Andrew Hastiewww.andrewhastie.com.au Pic Of The Week  In 1976, when a gang of Arab and German left-wing terrorists hijacked an Air France flight bearing 250 Jews, Israel was confronted by a mammoth dilemma of moral leadership. The hijackers were demanding the release of 53 terrorist murderers from prison, as well as a ransom of $5 million—a hefty sum in those days. The question was: should the short-term interest of saving 246 Jewish hostages take precedence over the longer term interest of the innocent lives these killers would surely take if allowed to go free? The hostages were held at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda. A long way from home. Israel took the hard option, and acted decisively. Operation Thunderbolt was launched on 4th July 1976. Israeli special operators—the unit known as ’Sayeret Matkal’—supported by IDF air and ground forces, flew to Entebbe under the cover of darkness and launched a surprise assault on the terminal, freeing almost all of the hostages. The rest is history. Israel sent a message: a free people can triumph over their adversaries if they show strength, daring, and resolve. Back in July, I had the privilege of sharing a coffee in Perth with one of the Sayeret Matkal operators who was on the mission. ‘R’ was humble, realistic, and engaging. I could see a fire in his eyes. Dimmed, perhaps, by age. But it was still there, as it was on the night of the raid, all those years ago. I peppered him with questions, and left our meeting grateful that there are men like him in the world, who are prepared to do what is right when the moment of crisis comes. Together Under One Flag I hope the Australian national flag makes us all feel a sense of gratitude for this country and a responsibility to preserve it. That’s why I serve in Parliament, and why we must work together under one flag to defend the things we love. To get your free bumper sticker, please sign up using the link in the image above. Or send an email with your name and address to andrew.hastie.mp@aph.gov.au Keep Up To Date On YouTube I regularly speak in Parliament on matters that affect you. To see all of my speeches, interviews and other content, please subscribe to my YouTube channel by signing up here, or clicking on the image above. |
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Nelle's journey 