A Matter of Death and Life: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

A Matter of Death and Life is an extremely candid and readable memoir about the painful, yet insightful and productive last months of a long, loving relationship that ended with the death of Marilyn Yalom. Read more

The Freedom Circus: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

As the years pass by and the number of survivors dwindles, the stream of Holocaust-themed books continues to gush. Read more

Book review: Friendly Fire: how Israel became its own worst enemy

I’ve read a lot during the Covid-19 lockdown periods. Obviously, I’ve only selected books that I thought I’d enjoy and largely I’ve been happy with my varied choices. Read more

The Unsung Family Hero: The death and life of an anti-Nazi resistance fighter

I’m in a chatty Garrison Keillor sort of mood today so I thought I might commence with a few words about Melbourne’s Hybrid Publishers…writes Geoffrey Zygier. Read more

The Yellow Bird Sings: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

I seem to have become our esteemed editor’s go-to guy when he needs someone to crit books about the Holocaust. Read more

Present Tense by Natalie Conyer: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

In Bereishit, the first reading of the Torah, Eve picks a fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, despite the Almighty’s specific prohibition. Read more

Massaging Himmler: A Poetic Biography of Dr Felix Kersten by Anne M Carson…reviewed by Geoffrey Zygier

In the first two decades following World War Two, it was rare for Holocaust survivors to publicise their experiences – and of course, their persecutors had every reason to keep their mouths firmly closed. Read more

Fly Already by Etgar Keret: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

Fly Already, the latest collection of short stories by Etgar Keret not only includes 22 new tales, but also an uncharacteristic side-swipe at Donald Trump. Read more

The Writing on the Wall: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

The Holocaust may be the most written-about episode in modern history. More than seventy years have passed since the liberation of the extermination camps, yet interest never seems to flag. Read more

“The Collaborator” by Diane Armstrong: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

In The Collaborator, her first book in almost a decade, noted Australian writer Diane Armstrong weaves together two interconnected tales. One is her interpretation of a true story, a reworking of an extremely controversial and still unresolved episode from the Holocaust. Read more

My Sack Full of Memories: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

People are motivated to bare their lives in public for different reasons. Read more

‘Invented Lives’ by Andrea Goldsmith: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

The Western world today is a place where victimhood is a badge of honour, one where people compete in public arenas to be among the elite of those who suffer. Read more

Bright Swallow by Vivian Bi: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

Among the major threats to our planet’s wellbeing is tribalism. Read more

Monash University publishes three new books of Jewish interest

Australian universities have become prolific publishers of a wide range of academic and other works…writes Geoffrey Zygier. Read more

The Dead Still Cry Out: The Story of a Combat Cameraman: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

As a young girl playing in her home in England one day, Helen Lewis opened an old, apparently hidden suitcase. Read more

Zbaraz: a community extinguished…a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

Once there was a land called Galicia, which straddled the modern-day border between Poland and Ukraine. Read more

People of the Boot: the triumphs and tragedies of Australian Jews in Sport…a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

‘People of the Boot’ is a neat pun as the title of a book about Australian Jews’ contribution to their country’s – and international – sporting life. Read more

Eliyahu’s Mistress: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

Melbourne lawyer Roger Mendelson has chosen a demanding subject for his debut novel ‘Eliyahu’s Mistress’. Read more

On Borrowed Time: a book review by Geoffrey Zygier

Morry Schwartz’s Black Inc recently published On Borrowed Time, the latest work by Robert Manne, Emeritus Professor of Politics at Melbourne’s La Trobe University. Read more

ABC and ADC see things differently

Dr Dvir Abramovich, chairperson of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, has criticised the Australian Broadcasting Commission for dismissing the ADC’s recent complaint about a song played on  ABC Classic FM’s ‘Midday’ program on 25 February. Read more

ADC continues the battle against on line hate

The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission has commented on fresh media allegations of growing racism in Australia. Read more

ADC calls for peaceful peace conference

Dr Dvir Abramovich, chair of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), today emphasised that the forthcoming Australian Islamic Peace Conference must not be allowed to undermine social harmony in this country. Read more

Hitler as a meal guest? – no way says the ADC

The Melbourne-based B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission has had a positive outcome to its complaint to local radio Nova 100 FM following a recent breakfast show segment in which Hitler was suggested as a suitable person to join in a mealtime conversation. Read more

The ADC opposes discrimination against GLBTI

The Melbourne-based Anti-Defamation Commision has come it in support of all Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Australians in their battle against discrimination. Read more

Anti-Defamation Commission welcomes legislation change

ADC chairperson Dr Dvir Abramovich today welcomed proposed changes to anti-discrimination legislation contained in the Federal Government’s Anti-discrimination and Human Rights Bill 2012. Read more

Victoria to fine adults who provide alcohol to children

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria president John Searle today applauded the Victorian Government for its intended introduction of legislation this week, providing for $7,000 fines for adults who give alcohol to children without parental permission. Read more

Victorian Community Report

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) AGM  heard Dr Helen Szoke, Commissioner of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission speak about Human Rights and John Searle reflect on the achievements of the JCCV in his current presidency and aims for the future. Read more

JCCV and the battle against teenage alcohol abuse

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria has called on parents to be firm and supportive if they are dealing with their children’s alcohol abuse issues. Read more

Victorian Police to consult JCCV on crimes involving prejudice

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) will be among community stakeholders consulted by Victoria Police about the latter’s new strategy to improve its response to crimes motivated by prejudice. Read more

The Age bias slammed by Jewish community

Jewish Community Council of Victoria President John Searle and Zionist Council of Victoria President Dr Danny Lamm have again strongly criticised Melbourne broadsheet The Age for its ongoing anti-Israel bias over a number of years. Read more

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