Ex-Cricket NSW boss appointed CRC head

Former Cricket NSW chairman Hari Harinath has been appointed the head of the state's Community Relations Commission (CRC).

Dr Harinath takes up the position following Vic Alhadeff's resignation in July over a controversial email he sent in support of Israel's military offensive in Gaza.

Communities Minister Victor Dominello said Dr Harinath was a "distinguished individual" who had been a leader within the Indian-Australian community for many decades.

Muslim and Arab community groups demanded Mr Alhadeff be sacked over his email, which was sent in his capacity as CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.

Mr Alhadeff's email said "all options" were on the table for Israel in defending itself and claimed it was operating with care to avoid civilian casualties.

The 50-day conflict between July and August claimed the lives of more than 2100 Palestinians, most of them civilians, and 72 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

Dr Harinath is a medical practitioner and the chairman of the Parramasala annual South Asian arts festival in Sydney's west.