There are perhaps similarities between concerned local firebrand “Brother Ismail” and the leadership of Hamas, in the way that they both are boisterous, but safely in refuge in Qatar, Istanbul or, in Ismail’s case, Bankstown. They call for the self-sacrifice of others, while not leading by example. (Preacher defends Hamas terrorists, 6/11). Some obvious contradictions deserve highlighting before anyone commits to supporting Hamas’ misguided causes. If the presence of Israelis occupying contested Holy Lands in the Middle East causes such offence to Mr Ismail, and he would prefer they were somewhere else, why is he not acclaiming or praising those Jews preferring to live in far away Australia? Such a population does not contribute to Middle Eastern conflict, may never have voted in Israel nor support the current right wing Israeli government. Surely Mr Ismail cannot have it both ways and retain credibility. Bankstown is 14,111km from Jerusalem. Let’s keep it that way. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 7Nov2023.