(ABC-Australia) An annual Iftar dinner hosted by the Victorian government has been cancelled after the state’s peak Islamic body criticised Premier Jacinta Allan’s position on the Israel-Gaza war.
Ms Allan said she called off this year’s dinner out of respect for those impacted by conflict in the Middle East.
She said the government had consulted leaders from the Islamic community before the “difficult” decision was made to cancel the event, which is held during Ramadan each year.
“Our role here in Victoria is to support the community, not add to distress and grief and it’s in that context that the dinner will not be proceeding this year,” she said.
“I do not want to add any moment of additional stress or distress to people who are already deeply grieving.”
