Re: "A life working in a war zone" and "Protesting for a just peace".

I have a subscription to your paper and have just received the August 6 copy and read the lifestyle pages. 

They must be kidding?

It was a civil war in Lebanon between Christians and Islamists who were supported by Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya and other Arab countries.

The country was ruined and Beirut, the Paris of the East, devastated. 

The Christians were the losers.

There is no mention in these two 'pieces' of the Israeli soldiers (men and women) killed in action destroying the Hamas tunnels which were to be used against women and children in Israel next month.

Nor of rocket launchers placed near schools, hospitals and churches/mosques in Gaza. 

It is a well documented fact that the 'brave' Hamas fighters hide behind civilians.

True reporting is from 'journos' who have left Palestine as Hamas 'officials' censor all footage, hence always children, women, hospitals and wrecked buildings dominate the news programs.

Dr McCue made mention of the war in Syria and Iraq and the ISAS scourge in both countries where atrocities occur every day against fellow Muslims and Christians and the Kurds. 

Perhaps Dr McCue and Mrs Byrne and fellow protesters of the Palestinian Support Group should travel to Syria, Yemen, Iran, Iraq or Libya and ascertain how 'safe' they would be. 

Or perhaps to Nigeria, Somalia or Kenya?

Go find the 200 (or more) young school girls abducted by Jihadists in Nigeria.

I agree 'a solution needs to be found through negotiation', however, until a 'just peace' is negotiated the 'support group' will be on the street corner for many Saturdays to come. 

It is very difficult to negotiate with people (Jihadists etc.) who hate our Western way of life and our freedoms. 

For our 'boys' who lay in those foreign lands - "Lest we forget".

P.J. McAlpine

Hamilton

Victims need to be heard

IT is deeply concerning that the Federal Government has not yet confirmed whether the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will be granted an extension to its 2015 deadline.

There have been more than 2200 abuse victims who have already provided evidence and it is estimated that there are at least 3000 others who are waiting and deserve the opportunity to also tell their stories - but that can't happen unless the timeframe is extended.

The magnitude of abuse and the tragic impacts are being revealed by the work of the Royal Commission. 

As someone who has represented hundreds of people who, as children, suffered serious abuse at the hands of an institution that failed them, I urge the government to grant the extension of time so that victims who are willing to provide evidence have the opportunity to come forward.

This Royal Commission has provided an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and also highlighted the harm victims have endured and the challenges they have faced.

The Royal Commission must continue past its 2015 deadline to allow all victims to have their voices heard.

Hayden Stephens

Senior personal injury lawyer

School reunions

WE are holding another reunion for pupils of Bowral primary and high schools - those starting at the primary school in 1952 and/or leaving in or before 1958, and Bowral High School, those completing the Intermediate Certificate in 1961 and/ or the Leaving Certificate in 1963.

It was decided at last year’s reunion to have a combined event this year. 

This will be an informal get-together at the Moss Vale Golf Club (38 Arthur Street) on Sunday, November 2, 2014.

People can come for morning tea at 10.30am and stay all day if they like. 

Lunch will be staggered, in order to relieve the load on the catering staff, from 12.30pm onwards. 

We may have afternoon tea or tea/ coffee available all afternoon, depending on numbers coming. 

Lunch and all snacks and drinks are at your own expense, payable on the day.

Although it is not necessary to book, or pay in advance, the club requires numbers attending to allow for adequate catering. 

Please email your intention to attend to Marie Donaldson (nee Wiseman) at: mariedonaldson@optusnet.com.au at your earliest convenience. 

Definite numbers are required by October 2, 2014.

If you know of someone who attended Bowral primary or high schools in these years, could they please pass this information on to them as a lot of contact details are still unknown.

Marie Donaldson (nee Wiseman) and Lyn Maunder (nee Davis)