A few weeks ago I recommended to readers the book “The holy and the broken – a cry for Israeli-Palestinian peace from a land that must be shared”, by Ittay Flescher.

Having completed reading it I recommend it even more for its even-handed treatment of an immensely difficult situation.

It provides us with an overview of the over 100 years history, including the history of Zionism, the reaction to it by Palestinians, and the role of the great powers, especially Great Britain and the United States.

It tells the terribly sad story of the recent destruction in Gaza as well as the effect of the 7 October attack on the Jewish communities near the Gaza border.

It examines the way the war has been portrayed in the western media often in a one-sided way, so the author mentions the many ways in which both Israelis and Palestinians are involved in various peace movements.

The author himself has been director of Kids4Peace in Jerusalem since 2018, after moving from Melbourne where he taught at Jewish schools for 15 years.

In Jerusalem he facilitates dialogue and trust-building activities between young Israelis and Palestinians together, and discusses how peacebuilding can occur.

I believe that by reading this book we not only become more informed about the Middle East situation, but also learn how to put peacebuilding efforts in our own Australian situation wherever it is needed.

The book has 308 pages in a paperback edition printed in Australia.

John van Riet, Wangaratta

Wonderful concert in Holy Trinity Cathedral

Much appreciation goes to the Excelsis Choir from Melbourne and our own Galen Catholic College choir for a beautiful concert on Sunday, 26 October at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral in Wangaratta.

To the conductors Tom Buchanan OAM and Beth cope, the accompanists Kerith Cummins, Felicity David and Isobel Baker, and to all of the choristers, a very big well done.

What a delight to listen to superb choral music in a superb setting.

How lucky were we.

Thanks so much to all involved.

Nancy Hupfield, Wangaratta

Congratulations to our Year 12 students

As the school year draws to a close, I would like to extend my very best wishes to all Year 12 students across the Ovens Valley who are completing their studies or sitting their final exams in the coming weeks.

Your hard work, dedication and resilience throughout your schooling journey, especially over these past few years, is something to be extremely proud of.

You’ve each achieved so much, and I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on just how far you’ve come.

This year has no doubt taught you more than what’s in your textbooks.

You’ve learned about perseverance, teamwork, and your own capability to rise to any challenge.

These lessons will serve you well beyond the classroom.

Exams can be stressful but remember they are just one part of your story.

Do your best, take care of yourself, and know that your results don’t define your worth or your future.

Whether you’re heading to university, an apprenticeship, further training or straight into the workforce, every path has its own rewards and opportunities.

I’d also like to acknowledge and thank the parents, families and teachers who have supported our Year 12 students with patience, encouragement and guidance throughout the year.

It has been a pleasure visiting schools across the Ovens Valley and meeting so many impressive young people with a passion for learning and a strong sense of community.

I have no doubt that our future is in capable hands.

To all our graduating students, congratulations on reaching this important milestone, and best wishes for the exciting journey ahead.

Tim McCurdy, Nationals' MP for Ovens Valley