Zionist Council of Victoria

The Zionist Council of Victoria fosters a deep connection between the Melbourne Jewish Community and Israel. As the roof body of an intensely Zionist community, the Zionist Council of Victoria enables exploration of expressions of Zionism.

ZCV NEWS

Apr-18 Melbourne: Yom Hazikaron

Will be a very moving tribute to those who fell for Israel – in wars, in the line of duty and in terrorist attacks.Robert Blackwood Hall

Clayton Campus

Monash University

Free admission. Further information – can you please call Keren Smolarski on 9272 5519.

Apr-19 Melbourne: Yom Ha’atzmaut

Celebrate Israel’s National Independence Day

It’s our last year at Hamer Hall for a couple of years, as Hamer Hall will be undergoing renovations in 2011 – 2012.

Last year’s concert was met with rave reviews, and this year’s promises to be even better. Feature artists = Natalie Gamsu www.nataliegamsu.net – stunning performer, singer, actor. Favourites including Brett Kaye, Sagit Lourie, Ella Holcdorf and more. Huge and hugely talented local cast of over 150 people. Show direction by Deborah Leiser Moore, musical direction by Adam Starr.

Brilliant, fresh repertoire – includes something for everyone – traditional and new favourites, varied genres, a few surprises!!

New ticketing arrangements – directly through the Arts Centre – really easy and user friendly, giving the consumer their choice of seats and even a virtual demonstration of their view from the seats! Can book via internet www.theartscentre.com.au , phone 1300 182 183 or at the box office in St Kilda Road.

New Israel Fund: Danny Lamm responds to Nathan Cherny

The President of the  Zionist Council of Victoria, Danny Lamm, withdrew its sponsorship of a meeting in Melbourne at which NIF head Naomi Chazan was due to speak. His position was criticised by Melbourne-born Israeli Nathan Cherny. Danny Lamm responds…

from Dr Danny Lamm

Yes Nathan, but where are the answers?

Nathan Cherny expresses what nearly all of us want for Israel – a just society built in accordance with what must have seemed an impossible dream to Theodore Herzl when he revived modern Zionism well over a century ago.

Like Nathan, we too want a just society in Israel. We too want the social and economic gaps bridged. We too want to promote equal rights for all citizens including minority communities. We too want to advance the status of women and foster tolerance and freedom of religious expression. We too want to increase government accountability, eradicate corruption and respect for the rule of law. We too want to protect the environment and public health and yes, we too very much want peace between Israel, the Palestinians and her Arab neighbours.

To the extent that the New Israel Fund (NIF) strives to achieve these exemplary aims, the Zionist community here has no issue whatsoever. We applaud the work done by many of the organisations supported by the NIF and which Nathan has mentioned. We do not question their legitimacy or the value of their contribution to the nation. In this regard we are on the same page and are fighting the same battle not only for a better Israeli society but for a better world.

This is not the issue we have with the NIF. The Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV) does not have a political argument with the NIF. We are not “extremists”, nor are we “anti democratic” and nor are we about left vs. right. The ZCV is the roof body of all Victorian Zionist organisations across the political spectrum and our constituents carry a wide range of views. We regularly invite guests who are anything but monolithic in the views they express and who come from many and varied backgrounds.  We host a wide range of functions and we encourage debate on issues of importance to Israel and her future. These debates are often vigorous but remain civil and the views expressed by all are treated with respect. Anyone who attended our debate on the settlement issue in late 2009 or for that matter the debate on the evacuation of Gaza in 2005 would attest to this.

Since we work tirelessly here to promote the same values for our youth as Nathan wishes to promote for his children, it was therefore disappointing to read his claims that we here in Melbourne are not promoting a just vision for the Jewish State. In making those claims Nathan is just plain wrong.

That said, the ZCV does have an issue with the NIF.

It concerns the matters that Nathan skirted around in his promotion of the NIF and the organisations it supports. Specifically, he avoided making mention of those groups whose apparent dark side has recently come under attack in Israel and against which allegations have been raised of not only acting against Israel’s interests but also working to deny its right to exist as a Jewish State. Among those who have publicly condemned the NIF are President Shimon Peres and Defence Minister Ehud Barak. The investigation of NIF which is being considered by a Knesset committee right now has been promoted by Kadima members.

Nathan speaks of democracy but surely the very essence of a democracy is to demand answers to the serious allegations that have circled the country over the past weeks causing a tidal wave of interest around the world that has even reached these shores? In such a robust democracy with such a commitment to truth and fact, why does the NIF not come forward to simply answer what is being asked?

How can it be true to its mission statement, which declares that it works “to strengthen Israel’s democracy and to promote freedom, justice and equality for all Israel’s citizens” and yet not have the transparency to provide a response other than to engage in ad hominem attacks on those who have raised the issue in the first place?

The groups to which I refer are those alleged to have actively reinforced a worldwide propaganda campaign against Israel, using the vicious rhetoric of apartheid, using “lawfare” to threaten Israel’s leaders and soldiers should they travel, and using and supporting boycotts, divestment and sanctions campaigns. These same organisations made unsubstantiated claims to the UN committee chaired by Justice Goldstone, who himself has said that “if this was a court of law, there would have been nothing proven” but the existence of the report and the lies it contains endangers the lives of Israel citizens. Has the NIF scrutinised its funding of these groups?

How can the NIF support an organisation like Adalah when, despite having as its mission the protection of Arab civil rights, routinely accuses Israel of implementing “apartheid” and of committing “war crimes”?

This group is going far beyond its charter when it proposes a so-called “Democratic Constitution” for Israel, calling for an end to Israel as a state with a specifically Jewish character. This is an outcome diametrically opposed to the Zionist dream of a national homeland for the Jewish people in Israel. Remember too, this is in a region where there are more than 50 Muslim States. Can the NIF tell us why it showers on such a group millions of dollars of funds donated in good faith by those who wish to promote a peaceful, just and democratic Israel?

If there is some justification as to why the NIF provides support for those whose words and deeds are antithetical to the essential world view of the Zionist movement and endanger Israel’s citizens then let us hear it.

In the meantime however, it is the silence of the NIF that is causing damage to Nathan Cherny’s commendable initiative and the good work of many others who perform vital, much-needed and legitimate social functions in the interests for the benefit of Israel and all of its citizens.

If there is any damage occurring to those worthy institutions, then all suffer but the blame does not rest with those in Israel who are asking the difficult questions and seeking answers to them or with the Zionist movement in this country.

We are only asking questions that deserve answers.

Dancers wanted

The Zionist Council of Victoria is looking for ballet, jazz, hiphop and Israeli dancers to perform at the 2010 Yom Ha’atzmaut Concert

Dance training an advantage but all welcome.

Males, females, all ages encouraged to audition.

Dance auditions will be held on:

Sunday 14 February 2010

11am

Bring dancewear and dance shoes.

To register for auditions (essential) and for further details contact Emily on 0422 137 741.

The concert will take place on April 19.

Zionist Council of Victoria book launched in Israel

The Zionist Council of Victoria and Makor Jewish Community Library, together with the Zionist Federation of Australia has launched the anthology “Building A Nation” in Israel.

The anthology is a two-volume set of 50 autobiographical stories written by members of the Victorian Jewish community and former Australian Olim.

“Building A Nation” tells of their experiences in the foundation and development of the State of Israel and looks set to become a foundation text on Israel, cross-cultural experiences and Australian Jewry.

The Israeli launch was held at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center and honoured by guest speakers Member of Knesset Yuli Edelstein Minister for Diaspora Affairs and Australian Ambassador James Larsen, together with ZCV President Dr Danny Lamm, all of whom presented different and very moving perspectives on the work.

Some of the authors were present and received copies of their published works. Guests and authors mingled at the festive reception, enjoying a beautiful autumn morning, complete with a view of Jerusalem’s Old City walls.

Published by the Zionist Council of Victoria and the Makor Jewish Community Library, the original launch was held at Beth Weizmann Community Centre on August 2 with Peter Costello MP and the book has since been selling fast.

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