By Larry Stillman. Hello all, I ran home like crazy to try to put in a report about the anti-Trump demo for those who are observant though as far as I can see, the sun is well and truly shining. Yes, there was a 1/2 hearted from Palestine to Mexico slogan attempt by the young […]
We are saddened by the recent arson attack against the Imam Ali Islamic Centre in Fawkner on Sunday and wish to convey our sympathies and solidarity with the communities affected by this attack. We stand firmly opposed to such violence, whether directed at people, buildings or institutions. All people, whatever their religious, cultural, or national origin, […]
By Robin Rothfield (originally published in the Jewish News, 30/9/16) AS we approach the High Holy Days, how should we in the Jewish community respond to Pauline Hanson’s call for an end to Muslim migration? Yes, a high proportion of Australians support this call but consider that in 1947 an opinion poll indicated that 58 […]
The AJDS and nearly twenty other Jewish organisations have signed onto the following communal Rosh Hashana statement against racism: As Jewish organisations committed to social justice, egalitarianism and the values of liberal democracy, we are committed to an Australian community that is inclusive, tolerant and diverse. The Jewish people are only too aware of the damage that can […]
By Yael Winikoff. Journalist Omar H. Rahman has said “the topic (of normalisation) is reaching a fever pitch within Palestinian society.”1 The issue is most certainly pertinent in Palestinian discourse, at times very divisive, and clearly an issue relevant to AJDS’s stance on Israel/Palestine. Further to arguments and counterarguments around the normalisation debate, how can […]
The AJDS issued a statement 11/06/16 critical of the decision by Stephanie Hodgins-May, Greens candidate for Melbourne Ports, to pull out of the Zionist Victoria event. We stated: “we feel that it’s important that local candidates be prepared to address and engage with audiences in their electorate.” Whilst this move by Stephanie has been hurtful to […]
By Robin Rothfield HOW should we Jews react to the worldwide refugee crisis? In light of the attacks in Paris, there are those who argue we should close our borders. The attacks resulted in around 130 deaths. This is horrendous and demonstrates the complete lack of respect for the sanctity of human life by the […]
This post includes excerpts from April Rosenblum’s “The past didn’t go anywhere: making resistance to antisemitism part of all of our movements” (2014), available here. Posting excerpts from this document has been permitted, so as to promote a discussion of antisemitism. All excerpts from Rosenblum’s paper have been indented and appear in green. The AJDS provides a […]
By Leah Goldman (pseudonym) When discussing topics around Israel one of the common questions one hears is “why is the whole world so concerned with Israel?” This is often accompanied by the opinion that antisemitism has reared its ugly head in blanket condemnation and hatred for the State of Israel. Putting aside the history and […]
On 4 June 2015 the AJDS held a panel on racism at Temple Beth Israel. With increasing expressions of racism in recent years, from the forced closures of Aboriginal communities in Western Australia, continual policing of Australian borders and the violence entangled in the structure of detention centres, the rise of Islamophobia and antisemitism, and the development […]