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.
I would like to share with you below several related features concerning antisemitism in Australia.
1. A blog by Keren Zewler published in the Times of Israel. Keren shared it on WhatsApp – saying she wished she did not have to write this but hopes some Aussies see it.
Who will put a stop to the Jew hate in Australia?
blogs.timesofisrael.com/who-will-put-a-stop-to-the-jew-hate-in-australia
2. On 16 June I attended a special screening at Temple Beit Israel in Melbourne of Josh Frydenberg’s Never Again documentary that examines the alarming rise of antisemitism.
Josh Frydenberg speaks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, former prime ministers John Howard and Julia Gillard, Olympic champion and former senator Nova Peris, former Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, award-winning Australian music artist Deborah Conway and survivors of the Holocaust.
The documentary takes a close look at the radicalisation on our streets and how antisemitism has been allowed to take hold, and critically what needs to be done to stop it. You can access it via this link:
3. You can sign this petition calling for authorities to take action:
Stop The Antisemitism
In just a few days, more than 1000 people have signed our petition caling on the authorities to take action against the antisemitism that’s unashamedly on display on our city streets.
Jews portrayed as Nazis, calls for the annihilation of Israel, incitement to violence and terrorism … enough is enough.
TO SIGN AND SHARE A PETITION URGING THE AUTHORITIES TO ACT, CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW.
Finally, I would recommend reading:
The anguished dilemma of a Reform Rabbi by Rabbi Mark Cohn, reflecting on the question: “How long do I remain a Reform Jew if the institutions of Reform Judaism stray into territories that are untenable for me ideologically?”
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Thank you for continued support of ARZA, helping to promote progressive Jewish voices both here and abroad. To continue our efforts, we need your support. If you have not yet renewed your 2024 membership, the cost is only $18 and your membership will provide us with priceless votes at the upcoming World Zionist Congress in Israel.
We also always welcome donations, for as little as $10. This helps us to continue advocating on key local issues on behalf of Australia’s reform community.
We continue our prayers for the release of the hostages and an end to the bloodshed.
Kind Regards,
Ayal Marek
President ARZA
Co VP UPJ