UNIFIL, the LAF and the myth of Lebanese sovereignty
November 13, 2024 | Oved Lobel
The idea that UNIFIL will suddenly be able to assist the LAF in doing what it has always been inherently incapable of doing, and in the name of an illusory “Government of Lebanon”, recalls that famous definition of insanity. Any proposed diplomatic solution to the current war based on the fatally flawed formula of 1701 is doomed to fail.
“Backbone”? UNRWA delivers just 13% of the aid in Gaza
November 8, 2024 | Ahron Shapiro
In Senate Estimates on November 7, Foreign Minister Penny Wong doubled down on her Government’s commitment to support the UN’s dedicated Palestinian agency UNRWA as the conduit for humanitarian aid for Gaza. In doing so, she parrotted the UN Security Council’s recent statement that UNRWA is the “backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza”.
Australian government’s conduct gravely disappointing
December 13, 2024 | Jamie Hyams
The government’s own calculations no doubt inform its actions. However, the overall effect has been to degrade Australia’s relationship with our most important Middle Eastern partner, while making Australia’s Jewish community, suffering its worst ever wave of antisemitism, feel more isolated. Indeed, it is strongly arguable that government actions have inadvertently contributed to that antisemitism itself.
Australia’s Jewish community under siege
December 10, 2024 | Justin Amler
The impact of seeing a holy place of worship burning in the very heart of Jewish Melbourne, was like a stab in the heart of the Jewish people.
The government’s vilification of Israel has led to a terror attack on place of worship
December 7, 2024 | Joel Burnie
Attacking a synagogue does not only profane a sacred place, it is the ultimate expression of hatred for the entire Jewish community. Desecrating sacred spaces undermines our social fabric and cohesion as well as the foundation of our liberal democratic and multicultural society.
An empire of perpetual suffering
November 20, 2024 | Seth Frantzman
In the wake of Israel passing two bills that essentially block the activity of the UN Relief and Works Agency in areas under Israeli control, UNRWA’s work is under scrutiny.
The consequences of Australia’s Mideast policy shifts since October 7
November 20, 2024 | Jamie Hyams
The events of October 7 and its aftermath have severely traumatised Australia’s Jewish community. In several regards, Australian reactions to those events, including from our Federal Government, have been extremely disappointing, compounding the trauma and creating feelings of isolation and betrayal.
