Backing UNRWA will not bring Middle East peace
March 20, 2024 | Colin Rubenstein
Given there are clear aid delivery alternatives, as well as UNRWA’s documented collusion with terrorists, the Australian Government’s decision makes little sense. By restoring funding, it will be undermining its own primary foreign policy goal in the Middle East, namely encouraging a negotiated resolution involving two states living in peace.
Anti-Zionism is an abhorrent ideology, regardless of antisemitism
March 19, 2024 | Oved Lobel
If the massacres and kidnappings on October 7 and the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s war of self-defense in Gaza are not desirable outcomes — and if people still believe in the international order and the illegitimacy of advocating genocide and the destruction of recognized UN member states — then anti-Zionist advocacy of any sort must be socially and politically stigmatized regardless of whether anti-Zionism is considered antisemitic.
Rise of anti-Semitism echoes older, more dangerous eras
March 18, 2024 | Allon Lee
Everyone agrees that all Australians have a right to freely express their opinions, choose how they spend their money and support causes without having their loyalty questioned… But not if you’re Jewish. If you’re Jewish and support Israel, expect to be smeared as belonging to a vast conspiracy reaching into the deepest recesses of power in Australia and across the world.
This is no time to throw Hamas a lifeline
March 15, 2024 | Colin Rubenstein
Unless Hamas decides to surrender, which seems unlikely, it’s hard to see how the war can end without defeating those remaining battalions; killing, capturing or forcing into exile the organisation’s top leadership
Scourge of antisemitism must end
March 6, 2024 | Rabbi Ralph Genende
Many Jews already felt insecure when wearing a kippah or Star of David in public and have avoided doing so. Like so many, I have been befuddled at how anti-Israelism has swiftly segued into anti-Judaism, and the targeting of individual Jews. I feel deep sorrow that Melbourne’s proud Jewish community is being intimidated by mobs, graffiti, and anti-Jewish words.
UNRWA and miseducating Palestinians
March 5, 2024 | Tammy Reznik
Proof that UNRWA employees, including teachers and school staffers, were actively involved in the violent October 7 massacre – yes, some UNRWA teachers were doubling as terrorists – should have triggered moral outrage, yet somehow, the virtue signalers remained quiet.
Because of October 7, Israel will never be the same again: Joel Burnie on Sky News
March 1, 2024
AIJAC Executive Manager Joel Burnie speaks from Israel to Sky News Australia’s Gabriella Power, 29 February 2024.
UNRWA is unfit to deliver aid to Palestinians
February 29, 2024 | Alana Schetzer
Given Hamas rules Gaza with an iron fist, it is unsurprising it has come to dominate UNRWA. UNRWA is essentially a Palestinian agency – more than 99% of its employees are Palestinian, with comparatively few foreign officials in its higher ranks.
We need a ceasefire based on reality, not fantasy
February 28, 2024 | Justin Amler
Israel is on the front lines of the global battle for peaceful coexistence, human rights, and the sanctity of life. Just as the Nazis and ISIS had to be destroyed, so too must Hamas. The future of Israel — and the free world — depends on it.
“The Jewish community of Australia has gone through horrific… intimidation tactics since Oct 7” – Joel Burnie on Sky News
February 16, 2024
“The Jewish community of Australia has gone through horrific events and intimidation tactics since October 7th” – AIJAC Executive Manager Joel Burnie speaks to Danica De Giorgio on Sky News Australia.
Israel “acutely aware of the [humanitarian] issues its forces face in Rafah”: Joel Burnie on SkyNews
February 16, 2024
AIJAC executive manager Joel Burnie discussed Israel’s planned military action in the Gazan city of Rafah and the joint statement by Australia, Canada and New Zealand with Kieran Gilbert of Sky News – 16 February 2024
Of UNRWA and other unremarkable things in the media
February 15, 2024 | Allon Lee
Fewer things are more exasperating than the media ignoring basic facts and context. Scandals plaguing UNRWA, the main agency for Palestinian refugees and their millions of descendants, and Israeli PM Netanyahu’s comments on Palestinian statehood showed this in action.
