Statement: Israel’s prisoner releases
July 31, 2013
While obviously agonising, especially for the distraught families of the victims, the Israeli Government’s decision for the staggered release of convicts involved in brutal acts of violence reflects the high priority it attaches to bringing the Palestinians back to the negotiating table and resuming peace talks – consistent with its claim it was acting “for the good of the country”.
Statement on Australian asylum-seeker policy
July 25, 2013
AIJAC strongly believes in a non-discriminatory, generous and compassionate Australian policy on asylum-seekers but also that these objectives must be balanced, and indeed would be enhanced, by maintaining an orderly and fair process, effectively addressing Australia’s genuine border security concerns, and above all, by dramatically reducing the incentives which cause people to place their lives at severe risk in unseaworthy boats supplied by the illegal people-smuggling industry.
AIJAC congratulates Ed Husic, deplores bigotry
July 2, 2013
AIJAC Chairman Mark Leibler and executive director Dr. Colin Rubenstein have extended their congratulations to Ed Husic MP, on his appointment as Parliamentary Secretary and on his decision to take his Oath of Office on The Koran, while deploring the bigotry and intolerance his elevation has attracted from some quarters.
Statement: Return of Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister
June 27, 2013
Upon the return of Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister on June 26, replacing Julia Gillard, AIJAC Executive Director Dr Colin Rubenstein made the following statement to J-Wire:
“We thank Julia Gillard for her unwavering and principled support for the Australian Jewish community and Israel during her term as Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister… We congratulate Kevin Rudd on returning to the leadership of the federal government…
AIJAC prominent at Global Forum for Combating Antisemitism
June 14, 2013
The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council played an important role in the deliberations of the Global Forum for Combating Antisemitism, which took place recently in Jerusalem.
Jeremy Jones AM, Director of International and of Community Affairs for the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, who is internationally recognised as the expert on antisemitism in Australia and an authoritative exponent of inter-religious dialogue, was given the honour of Chairing the Plenary Seminar ” Muslim Religious Leaders Condemning Antisemitism”.
Australian Jewry’s unique experience discussed at American Jewish Committee Global Forum
June 14, 2013
The unique experiences of Jews in Australia, the relationship between Australia and the USA and the global priorities in Australian diplomacy featured in a wide-ranging discussion with H.E. Kim Beazley, Australia’s Ambassador to the USA, at a session of the Global Forum of the American Jewish Committee in Washington earlier this month.
US Middle East policy expert Dr. Steve Rosen to speak in Melbourne
March 12, 2013
AIJAC, in partnership with the Zionist Council of Victoria and Australians for Israel, is proud to present Dr. Steve Rosen, who is Director of the Middle East Forum’s Washington Project, and served from 1982 to 2005 as director of foreign policy issues for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. He will speak at the Beth Weizmann Centre on March 14.
AIJAC Statement: Federal Election date
January 31, 2013 | Colin Rubenstein
“The scheduling of the Federal Election on Yom Kippur is of course somewhat disappointing, especially for those members of our community – be they politicians, political party members, campaign workers, canvassers, scrutineers or voters – who won’t be able to engage on election day as they normally would…”
Foreign Minister’s focus on Israeli settlements “misplaced” and “counter-productive”
December 5, 2012
The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) today labelled the intense focus on the issue of Israeli settlements by Foreign Minister Bob Carr “misplaced”, “disproportionate” and “counter-productive.”
AIJAC Executive Director Dr. Colin Rubenstein AM stated ” Foreign Minister Bob Carr’s decision to publicly rebuke Israel’s Ambassador to Australia based on the contention that construction in settlements constitutes a major obstacle to progress toward a two-state solution is severely misplaced.”
AIJAC congratulates Australian Government on emphatic UN Security Council success
October 19, 2012
The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) today welcomed the election of Australia to a two-year temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council in New York overnight, and congratulated the Australian Government on achieving this outcome.
AIJAC National Chairman Mark Leibler stated, “AIJAC welcomes a successful end to Australia’s long-fought efforts to gain a temporary seat on the UN Security Council. We also congratulate the Australian Government – especially Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Foreign Minister Bob Carr, his deputy Richard Marles, and all the professionals who worked diligently to achieve this very happy outcome so emphatically. Our success is well-deserved – as a middle-level, principled, democratic nation and good global citizen, we won the respect and ultimately the support of others internationally, on our own merits and without compromising our support for Israel.”
