In a landmark decision passed on Tuesday 27 May 2025, Canterbury-Bankstown Council formally recognised Nakba Day, marking a historic moment for Palestinian-Australian communities and allies across the country.
The motion, passed unanimously at the Council’s official meeting, acknowledges 15 May as Nakba Day — a day of remembrance for the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948.
Introduced by Deputy Mayor Khodr Saleh, the motion commits the Council to supporting community-led commemorations and increasing public awareness of Palestinian human rights and history.
“Nakba Day is not just a political occasion — it is a deeply human remembrance of pain, displacement and loss,” said Mr Saleh during the meeting.
“There can be no genuine peace without justice, and no justice without the recognition of the rights and dignity denied to the Palestinian people.”
The motion encourages cultural and educational initiatives around Nakba Day and includes practical steps: offering access to Council venues, promoting community events, and consulting with local Palestinian groups.
Councillor Karl Saleh OAM also spoke in support of the motion, drawing parallels to other significant days of recognition such as National Sorry Day.
He emphasised that the motion was not about politics but about fairness, empathy, and ensuring every community in Canterbury-Bankstown feels seen and respected.
“This motion is simply about giving space to people in our community to share their stories — just as we do for many other groups in our diverse city,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Khodr Saleh, a long-serving councillor of Lebanese heritage, has previously attracted national attention for his advocacy.
In October 2023, he became the first local government official in Australia to raise the Palestinian flag over a municipal building — a gesture that called for a ceasefire in Gaza and made headlines across the country.
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