The AJDS is pleased to host two Israeli Peace Activists: one a ‘refusenik’ who was imprisoned for refusing her mandatory military service, the other a veteran of the Israeli Defence Forces.
Community Event at: Caulfield Park Pavillion on Thursday 30 August at 7pm (location details here and there is plenty of parking). $10/$5 These speakers are touring Australia to bring their experiences to the debate about the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
Sahar Vardi is a 21 year old peace activist and ‘refusenik’ from Jerusalem. In August 2008 she refused her mandatory military service. She was released from military prison in January 2009 and has been working since with the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions and the Sheikh Jarrah Solidarity movement promoting equal rights in Jerusalem, and speaking to different communities, including Jewish communities abroad, about the importance of a strong Jewish voice for peace.
Micha Kurz is now the co-director of Grassroots Jerusalem and its Merkaz al Kul (Centre for All) enabling urban and human rights activists and organizations in Jerusalem to connect, share knowledge and coordinate on human rights activities. He was one of the co-founders of Breaking the Silence (Shovrei Shtika), an organization of ex-Israeli Defence Force soldiers who have served in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.
Their visit to Australia is being support in part by the The Australian Jewish Democratic Society as well as The Australian Friends of Palestine (South Australia).
While many reasons are advanced for avoiding co-operation and discussion between organisations from the various communities who have an interest in these issues, it is the position of the AJDS that working together with groups from other communities, on projects of common interest, fosters a better environment for understanding the difficult and contentious issues that lie between us.
For other events in this tour, see this schedule
Two Israeli Peace Activists in Melbourne: AJDS Public Event
