State Politics

Pressure is growing on NSW Community Relations Commission chairman Vic Alhadeff to resign after his remarks defending Israel's deadly force against Gaza fractured goodwill between Sydney's Jewish and Muslim groups.

Mr Alhadeff issued a belated apology on Thursday for causing offence two weeks ago.

But his insistence on standing by his comments has done little to placate Arab and Muslim groups. The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) has also joined calls for Mr Alhadeff to quit his role on the commission, which promotes racial harmony.

Mr Alhadeff, who is also chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, emailed the Jewish community during the early stages of the conflict around Gaza. He said Palestinian militant Islamist group Hamas was guilty of "war crimes" and Israel would "do whatever is needed to defend its citizens. All options are on the table".

Mr Alhadeff's email triggered an outcry from Arab groups. On Thursday, Mr Alhadeff said "I don't resile from the comments", adding that he did not intend to cause offence.

In an earlier statement, Mr Alhadeff expressed "regret that some took umbrage" at his email, adding every civilian death was "a tragedy".

His apology was rejected by Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president George Browning, a former Anglican bishop of Canberra, who said Mr Alhadeff's ongoing appointment "diminishes the credibility" of the Community Relations Commission.

FECCA said Mr Alhadeff's comments were inappropriate and he "needs to consider his position" as commission chairman.

Premier Mike Baird has said Mr Alhadeff has his "full confidence" and has done much to promote inter-faith harmony in NSW.

Joseph Wakim, a former Victorian Multicultural Affairs commissioner and founder of the Australian Arabic Council, said the apology "does not retract the damage done" and his dual roles represent "intrinsic conflict of interest".

Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi said Mr Alhadeff's apology was "an affront to the Palestinian and multicultural community" and his comments should be withdrawn.