Podcast: L’Chaim to Life
Lisa Mittleman – Hatred left unchecked to normalise ultimately ends in violence
Morry Frenkel speaks with Lisa Mittleman about her advocacy role as Director of Public Affairs and Strategy at the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), which entails dealing with government and key decision makers to generate a positive relationship with Israel and the local Jewish community.
Lisa also talks about how the horror of Bondi Beach acted as a wake-up call to politicians and the broader Australian community, and led to the (reluctant) formation of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Lisa is highly critical of the lack of leadership in government, major institutions and the Arts sector, which led to the normalisation of antisemitism, followed inevitably by acts of violence. However, she sees the invitation to and visit here of Israel’s President Herzog as important for reinforcing the long-held relationship between the two countries. Lisa stresses the importance of individual submissions to the Royal Commission that describe lived experiences of antisemitism. People are encouraged to go to www.zfa.com.au or www.shareyourstory.org.au to access the submission form. The ZFA is running online Zoom sessions to assist in filling out the form and submitting it; two sessions remain: 8 pm on Wednesday June 3rd and June 10th. To register, go to www.shareyourstory.org.au/weekly-wednesday-gatherings.
