Journalist John Pilger. Photo: AJN file

AUSTRALIAN Jewish leaders are upset over the awarding of the Sydney Peace Prize to a staunch critic of Israel. John Pilger, an award-winning Australian-born journalist and filmmaker living in London, will receive the Sydney Peace Prize in November.

Robert Goot, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said it was a “sad day”.

“Pilger has done nothing to promote peace but has only promoted one side of the [Mid-East] dispute,” he told J-Wire, a local Jewish website.

“He lacks objectivity and his pronouncements are often replete with factual inaccuracies and distortion of history. His uncritical acceptance of one side’s narrative is made at the expense of Israel’s position.”

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president Robin Margo said the decision was “a disgrace”.
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