Shanmugam 'heartened' by S'pore Chief Rabbi's remarks on Palestinians' plight, says it's 'what makes S'pore different'

Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said that he was "heartened" by Singapore Chief Rabbi Mordechai Abergel's remarks on the "plight and suffering" of Palestinians.

In a Facebook post on Feb. 26, Shanmugam highlighted messages delivered by religious leaders at the annual Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) Iftar event on Feb. 23.

At the Iftar event, Shanmugam emphasised the importance of racial and religious harmony in maintaining peace in Singapore, and noted the critical role of religious and community leaders who help set the tone for harmony in Singapore.

This is what makes Singapore different: K Shanmugam

In his post, Shanmugam referred to Abergel's address, delivered in a recorded video message during the event.

Abergel had spoken about the ongoing Gaza conflict, saying: "We cannot remain indifferent to the plight and suffering of many ordinary Palestinians affected by this long and tragic conflict."

He added that Singapore is "part of a global community" and should "therefore be vigilant not to allow emotions stoked by conflicts abroad to erode the social cohesion" in the country.

Abergel said that "pain on all sides" must be acknowledged, and that the Jewish community is "acutely aware" of how much it "stands to lose" if they fail to nurture friendships and mutual respect defining Singapore's society.

Shanmugam noted that when the Oct. 7 attacks against Israel took place, Singapore's Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir had also spoken out against violence, emphasising that "the right of civilians to live peacefully must be protected at all times".

Nazirudin had also said that it has "become even more critical" to put forth "a different model of peaceful co-existence, where every community in Singapore can live peacefully."

Referring to the religious leaders' statements, Shanmugam said: "This is what makes Singapore different. And this is why we remain an oasis of peace, amidst a world beset with issues."

Chief Rabbi condemns Oct. 7 terror attack and loss of Palestinian lives: Singapore Jewish board

In a separate Facebook statement on the same day, the Jewish Welfare Board said Shanmugam had reminded attendees that "Singapore remains a small oasis of peace in an uncertain world, peace we must cherish and protect together".

The board also noted that Abergel echoed Shanmugam's message, saying that "it is up to us and our communities to protect and maintain the delicate fabric of our unique society, a role model of religious tolerance and respect throughout the world."

It added that Abergel had condemned the Oct. 7 attack , as well as the "loss of innocent Palestinian lives" in the conflict that followed.

The board said: "Together with fellow Singaporeans of all faiths, we remain committed to building a secular, harmonious, and pluralistic society where diversity strengthens us and peace endures."