ECAJ’s Alex Ryvchin visits Brisbane
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-Chief Executive Alex Ryvchin travelled to Brisbane this week to meet with state and federal politicians in partnership with the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies.
Alex Ryvchin (centre) with politicians and community leaders
The trip continues the ECAJ’s national political engagement on behalf of the community.
Ryvchin was the keynote speaker at the Parliamentary Friends of Israel event in the Queensland Parliament, which brought together senior politicians from both major parties and members of the Queensland Jewish community. The event was hosted by shadow transport Steve Minnikin MP with Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport Stirling Hinchcliffe delivering the vote of thanks. Treasurer Cameron Dick MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard MP, Fiona Simpson MP and Linus Power MP were among those in attendance.
Ryvchin spoke about the history of antisemitism, examining its origins and how it was shaped by both the unique Jewish experience and by world events such as the spread of monotheism, the French and Russian revolutions, rising nationalism and the advent of race science. Ryvchin also delved into his upcoming book, “The 7 Deadly Myths”, which investigates the conspiracy theories through which antisemitism has been spread throughout history.
The following day, the ECAJ and Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies met with new Greens Senator Penny Allman-Payne, who holds the schools portfolio for the Greens. The discussion focused on the structure of the Australian Jewish community, rising antisemitism in public schools and the need to combat racism through holding social media platforms accountable and enhancing engagement and early intervention in the school system.
Alex Ryvchin with Senator Paul Scarr and Karen Prior
This was followed by meetings with LNP Senator Paul Scarr and Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick MP, a longstanding friend of the community.
Reflecting on the trip, Ryvchin observed that “in a short time, we educated state politicians on where antisemitism comes from, what it looks like today and how we can fight it. We brought the community and parliamentarians together, deepened our friendships and established new ones. The Queensland Jewish community is growing and eagerly awaits the opening of a Holocaust museum that will become the cornerstone of the community’s education and engagement strategy. The work done by individuals like QLDJBD president Jason Steinberg, Immediate Past President Paul Myers and Advocacy Chair Libby Burke is incredible. Their tirelessness, devotion to community and excellence is a credit to our entire community. They are highly respected, and their effectiveness leads to vital outcomes for the community. The ECAJ is privileged to work with them.”
President of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, Jason Steinberg, said the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Israel event was well supported and had taken a special place in the calendar for MPs.
