Jewish Online News from Australia and New Zealand
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.
May 6, 2010 by Agencies
Over 350 people,including Victorian Premier John Brumby, attended a Yom Ha’atzmaut Cocktail Party this week in Melbourne’s Windsor Hotel.
Ted Baillieu, John Searle, Premier John Brumby, Danny Lamm, Minister James Merlino
The guests, including Ted Baillieu, the leader of the Victorian Opposition Party, Israeli Ambassador Yuval Rotem and former Australian Ambassador to Israel and now Ambassador for People Smuggling Issues, John Searle, president of the The Jewish Community Council of Victoria and Zionist Federation president Philip Chester heard the following speech from Zionist Council of Victoria, Dr Danny Lamm:
Welcome to our annual Cocktail reception, celebrating Israel’s 62nd Independence Day. We value your friendship with Israel and the Jewish community and thank you for joining us this evening.
The Victorian Jewish community has a proud history of friendship and contribution to the broader society of our state. We also have a very solid connection to Israel – and we are proud that the relationship between Israel and Australia is strong and based on values we all hold dear – justice, democracy and equality; education and innovation. Our two nations now share trade and intellectual capital and have embarked upon joint ventures which will have major positive effects in areas of medical treatment, water and environmental management and high tech for both Australia and Israel.
John Searle, Danny Lamm, Premier John Brumby
For example, the Jewish National Fund and Monash University have initiated a project to develop the means to harvest and treat urban storm water run off, to increase Israel’s drinkable water supply and simultaneously reduce ocean pollution. Israel, like Victoria, is challenged by water conservation and drought, and this project has the potential to divert storm water run off and convert it to drinking water. The implications are profound.
We have fortunate commonalities in terms of the economy as well: Like Australia, Israel recovered very quickly from the Global Financial Crisis. Israel’s strong economy and highly regulated banking systems were enough to make it among the first of the developed nations to officially emerge from the GFC.
There is a major practical difference between our societies, though. Here in Australia, we are not confronted with hostile neighbouring nations which are intent on our destruction. We don’t face the insidious demonization of our nation
and people, the intended delegitimisation of our right to exist as a sovereign state, as Israel does. Sadly, international terror is not a stranger to us here – the Bali bombings are still a raw memory – but we don’t need to direct a vast proportion of our financial and human resources into defence, as Israel does. And I take this opportunity to remind you that it’s almost 4 years – 1410 days today – since Gilad Shalit, a then 19 year old soldier was captured from Israel’s southern border. Gilad has been held in captivity since, in an unknown place, deprived of contact with the outside world. We pray for his well being and for his return to Israel and his family.
Israel’s advancements in science, medical and high technology and humanitarian efforts are revealed all the more starkly against this background. Israel is a nation built on the biblical values of morality and strong ethics, where intellectual capital is its greatest asset. In its 62 years, it has emerged as a leading innovative nation, it has reclaimed deserts, created a vibrant, cultured society and has shown leadership in humanitarian assistance where catastrophes have occurred throughout the world. Israel’s efforts in the Haiti earthquake were remarkable, with medical response units being flown in and working directly with the victims of the disaster.
On this occasion, as we mark Israel’s 62nd anniversary of Independence, we celebrate her achievements together, in the true Australian spirit of friendship.
It is my great pleasure to call upon the Premier to bring greetings on behalf of the Government of Victoria and to propose the toast to the State of Israel.”
Lamm made a special presentation to Ambassador Larsen saying: ”James Larsen served as Australia’s Ambassador to Israel for three years, from 2007 – 2010. During that period, he has done an outstanding job not only of representing Australia’s interests in Israel, but also of further developing and building on the solid relationship that Australia and Israel shares.
James – it has been my great pleasure to meet you and hear from you on several occasions both in Australia and in Israel. You have opened your offices and your heart to Australians in Israel, and you were always open and willing to discuss issues and to host visiting Australian groups whenever possible.
As I mentioned earlier, Australia’s friendship with Israel is both historical and strong. Your service as Australia’s ambassador has strengthened these bonds of friendship.”
Almost 2000 people packed the Arts Centre in Melbourne’s Hamer Hall last night, to join in celebrating the 62nd anniversary of Israel’s independence.
Dana Bar Zuri, Limor Greenfield and Aviram Grinberg at Yom Ha'atzmaut
A wonderful concert, filled with music, dancing and stunning video images of Israel and Israeli personalities, featured Israel’s greatest hits, traditional and contemporary… and the audience loved it!
On Sunday, Melbourne commemorated Yom Hazikaron in a very moving and dignified ceremony.
Danny Lamm, the president of the Zionist Council of Victoria spoke at both events and J-Wire publishes the text of what he had to say…
Yuval Rotem, Israel’s ambassador to Australia, heard Lamm address those who came to commemorate Israel’s fallen .
Lamm’s address:
“On this Remembrance Day for Israel’s fallen, we are joined together by the memory of our soldiers who fell in defence of the homeland.
How do we relate to such a great loss?
How does one cope with such sadness?
How can we understand just one tear of a mother on the loss of her son?
Can we look into the eyes of a girl who seeks one more loving embrace from her father?
We freeze as we observe the heartbreak of one solitary family.
Recently, another bloodstain was added to this path of sadness.
A further chapter was written in the heroic story of the fight between the forces of light and dark.
Major Eliraz Peretz, second son of the Peretz family, led his soldiers but fell, together with another of his Golani Brigade, in the Gaza border strip. His family had already lost one son, Uriel.
Uriel and Eliraz Peretz, two wonderful brothers, enlisted by choice in the IDF.
They wore its uniform with pride.
They served their battle unit with recognition of the justice of their path.
They carried their weapons of defence with joy.
Were their parents to ask their sons, our heroes, even today, “would you risk your lives again?” they would respond “without a doubt, when called to this flag, we will always be ready!”
Friends, “in every generation they rise to destroy us and G-d saves us from their hands.”
Tomorrow night, we will celebrate together with Israel, its 62nd anniversary.
Many challenges have accompanied the establishment of our State to it being one of the most advanced nations – a stable nation, leading the world in numerous fields.
The people of Israel yearn for life and peace.
The people of Israel have returned to the land of Israel, not for the short term, but forever.
Our soldiers have not died in vain. With their death, they demand of us to continue their mission: the support of the existence of the State.
May their memory be blessed.”
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The ambassador was also in attendance the following evening when Lamm addressed around 2000 members of the Melbourne community celebrating Israel’s 62nd anniversary…
Danny Lamm had this to say…
“Chag Sameach and welcome to Melbourne’s celebration of Israel’s 62nd Yom Ha’atzmaut. Tonight, as we assemble to show our support and solidarity for Israel on this milestone, I’d like to take a moment to contrast the notion of a “birthday” with that of a nation’s anniversary.
Of course, celebrations and parties are common to both. Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut is festive, the streets are festooned with flags, fireworks light the skies and music fills the air. People will party in the streets and continue their celebrations at al ha’esh barbeque picnics on the day, which of course is a national holiday.
Hadas Bandel, Itai Franco, Rita Satchakova, Ari Wenig and Judith Perl
But Yom Ha’atzmaut, is so much more than a big, global birthday party. On Yom Ha’atzmaut, we take the time to reflect. We ask ourselves:
What challenges has Israel faced and what issues will she need to confront in the coming year?
What has Israel accomplished in the past year? What is our role in all of this?
Israel’s challenges in the coming decade are serious indeed. Unabated rocket fire from Hamas for 8 years into Israel’s southern communities led to Israel’s Cast Lead operation last year causing their immediate cessation, however rocket fire has resumed. Simultaneously we face the threat from Hezbollah in the north. More terrifying, of course, is the insidious threat facing Israel in particular and the west in general of a nuclear attack from Iran. We must not be deluded to believe, as elements in the world seem to, that Ahmedinejad’s threats are empty. Our people’s suffering in the shoah bears testament to the fact that we cannot ignore or underestimate his rantings. Ahmedinejad’s threats are no more or less than a modern version of those of the biblical Amalek, or the 20th century’s Nazis. Zachor et asher asa lecha amalek. We cannot ignore Iran’s threat to Israel.
In addition to physical threats, Israel faces a new tactic, one which her adversaries successfully prosecute without fear of censure or condemnation. Whilst not as physically threatening as bombs or missiles, delegitimisation is just as dangerous to Israel’s existence. It is occurring across the globe – through the internet, in diplomatic circles, media and even through the arts. It aims to undermine Israel’s right to exist, and its proponents are well resourced and active.
This is creating a situation where the “default option” for many people is to condemn Israel rather than support her.
In this context, the pressure being exerted by the Obama administration on Israel has resulted in the Palestinian Authority being discouraged from engaging directly with Israel and is therefore proving to be an impediment to progress. This, together with worldwide anti-semitism and the increasing anti-Israel direction of the European Union, presents yet more challenges.
It is our responsibility – individually and collectively – to encourage and enhance friendship for Israel, among our families, our colleagues, in the media and among business and political leaders.
There is so much good news to focus on, so many achievements of which to be proud.
Israel’s medical technology exports have saved more lives per capita than exports from any other country. In fact, Israel has saved more Muslim and Arab lives than all of the Arab and Muslim nations combined.
Israel has accomplished more for the environment than virtually any other country in the world. Israel is a vibrant society. Creative, audacious and successful.
It is also now the largest Jewish community in the world – a defining Jewish demographic moment. Furthermore, it’s expected that soon the majority of Jews in the world will live in Israel. This is unprecedented since the days of the Second Temple. 62 in Hebrew is sav – which means grandfather. Israel has come to be like a grandfather to the Jewish world and has a paternal view of the Jewish diaspora and can be counted on to protect us, to support us and increasingly to encourage our communities.
Collaboratively, Israel and the diaspora, including Australia, are working together to reverse the trend of loss of Jewish identity, through Israel programs, Jewish education and the study of Hebrew. Over the past year, a record 315 young Australians have gone to Israel on a long term program.
Israel and the Jewish diaspora share a strong bond. We are a vital part of this partnership. Israel’s future and the future of the Jewish world depends not only on organisations, on governments, on programs and on leaders. The contribution of every single individual in supporting Israel through education, advocacy, promotion and fundraising – in short through connection to Israel, is paramount. To each of you sitting here – I speak to you as to family or close friends – we are all here, demonstrating our commitment in the simple and obvious way of being part of Yom Ha’atzmaut. We, my friends, need to take on the task of generating this commitment and involvement among the other members of our community who have not chosen to come here tonight. To paraphrase the famous saying – if not now, when, and if not us – who?
Melbourne’s Jewish organisations work cooperatively, and I take this opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work done by the other communal roof bodies – the JCCV in Victoria and the ECAJ and ZFA on a national level. I also congratulate AIJAC, the AICC, AICE and the Australia Israel Leadership Forum on their outstanding achievements. The Zionist Council is made up of 51 Zionist organisations, all of whom appear in your programs, each of which provides Zionist connection, enriching the fabric of our community.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the supporters of this event – especially the companies and individuals who so generously contributed as Partners, Patrons and Corporate Sponsors – all of whom are acknowledged in your programs.
To the Zionist Council of Victoria Board and Executive, and to the production team, who have worked tirelessly on the event, thank you. To Ginette Searle, and the ZCV staff, to Michael Jankie, Adam Starr, Guy Dvir Ovadia, Deborah Leiser Moore and all 220 cast members – thank you for your dedication and commitment to making this event the very best. I would also like to thank the Community Security Group for their wonderful, voluntary contribution.
May our promotion of Israel and our relationships with Israel continue to grow and be strengthened. We must continue to remain staunch and proud in our commitment to Israel, and of course, to whole heartedly celebrate the fact that we are, as we sing in the Hatikva – a free people in our own land.
Chag Sameach, Am Yisrael Chai”
March 26, 2010 by Agencies
The Racial and Religious Tolerance Act was passed in Victoria in 2001….and not a single prosecution since.
John Searle
John Searle, the president of the The Jewish Community Council of Victoria, has spoken out about police understanding of racially motivated crimes.
A statement issued jointly by the Anti-Defamation Commission and The Jewish Community Council of Victoria says:
Changing Victoria’s laws will do nothing to affect hate crime unless police are prepared to act on the laws we already have, the Jewish community believes.
In a submission to the Victorian Government’s Hate Crimes Review, the Jewish community has called for improved investigation and prosecution of hate crimes.
The community wants the police to set up a specific Hate Crimes Unit to respond to hate crimes and to train all police so they understand when racial vilification has occurred.
The submission, prepared by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, said the Jewish community recorded 101 cases of identity-motivated attack last year, most commonly in the formal of verbal abuse but also including missiles aimed at people walking to synagogues, graffiti, racial vilification and less commonly physical violence.
JCCV president Mr John Searle said in some cases it was clear racial vilification had occurred but police were not prepared to act. “When we raise the possibility of action under the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act what we hear from police is, ‘Let’s not go there’. Often it seems the ordinary copper on the beat does not even realise a crime has occurred.”
The Jewish Community submission also called for a third-party reporting system, so that victims could go to an organisation other than police to deal with racial abuse; the introduction of specific policing initiatives in vulnerable areas, improved police education and better data management.
Mr Searle said minority communities who had been pleased when the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act was passed in 2001 were deeply disappointed that there had not been a single prosecution under the Act.
But he said the Jewish community was pleased the Victorian Government had amended sentencing laws last year to ensure judges increased penalties when an attack was motivated by hate.
The submission recommends some additional legal changes, bringing racial vilification under the Crimes Act and introducing a civil remedy, so that individuals who suffer physical or psychological harm have some recourse.
But Searle emphasised the key issues were not legal. “New legislation is not the answer. Appropriate legislation is already available; it is the resolve to use it and possibly the awareness of its existence that is the problem.”
March 11, 2010 by admin
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.
March 11, 2010 by admin
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.
