ARZA

Dear friends,

While we are still very concerned about developments in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon, a small development in rhetoric by Hamas indicates a narrow window for progress of negotiations for release of the hostages and a ceasefire agreement.

Although we cannot get our hopes too high, as this is just a small step in the right direction and the negotiation roadmap seems to be still long, with potential for escalation in any of the 7 fronts that Israel is facing a realistic imminent possibility.

I would like to focus this communication on the issues closer to us here. As we see the rise in Antisemitism in Australia, it is our collective responsibility not to be silent bystanders, but rather act, each in our own circles and to our own abilities. Get out of our comfort zone and call for action in order to address this growing concern and prevent it from escalating. (more…)

Chag Shavuot Sameach!

Last week we commemorated 2 significant days in history. One is D-Day, June 6, 1944 that symbolises the turning point of the Second World War when the Western allies counter attacked Nazi Germany and the Axis forces leading to Germany’s surrender within less than a year.

The other is Jerusalem Day , that symbolises the “reunification” of Jerusalem on 5 June 1967, following 3 weeks of Syrian and Egyptian troops gathering on the borders, accompanied by threats from Arab leaders, leading to great fear of a second holocaust.

Both events symbolise in my eyes the victory of the “free world” representing liberal values of freedom and democracy, seeking peaceful co-existence against authoritarian and oppressive regimes with less values to individual human rights. This links to current events. Despite all the hardship we are facing I believe we must maintain hope and aspire for a better world that will see freedom and liberty winning over fundamentalism and extremism. (more…)

Dear friends,

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader John Pesutto were keynote speakers to a reception this week marking the 76th anniversary of the State of Israel. The two party leaders were joined at the function by numerous state and federal politicians, representatives of other nations, VIPs from all walks of Victorian life and various senior faith and community leaders. (more…)