Why we need the IHRA definition of antisemitism
March 17, 2023 | Jamie Hyams
AIJAC’s Jamie Hyams submitted the following article to Crikey in response to an article by Michael Bradley (March 14) which criticised universities for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism, implying it threatened academic freedom.
Letter: Religious bigotry and racism have no legitimacy in public discourse
March 17, 2023 | Jeremy Jones
The attempt to create and exploit anti-Muslim prejudice to undermine Tina Ayyad’s campaign for Holsworthy (reported in the Daily Telegraph, 16 March) should be condemned unambiguously and universally.
Ehud Ya’ari on ABC Radio National: Israel’s judicial reforms controversy, and increasing West Bank violence
March 13, 2023 | AIJAC staff
AIJAC guest Ehud Yaari was interviewed by Geraldine Doogue on ABC Radio National about Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s political woes, the highly likely forthcoming compromise on contentious judicial reforms, escalating violence in the West Bank and the future of the Palestinian Authority.
Letter: Calling out racism
March 10, 2023 | Jeremy Jones
On 3 March, The Age printed an article by Maher Mughrabi which could be read as (i) arguing racism is not problematic if it is used to further a cause with which one agrees and (ii) that Jewish people who object to antisemitism have dishonest motives, implying their real agenda was defence of Israel. Both of these claims are wrong and dangerous.
The excuses of Adelaide Writers’ Week defenders hide an ugly truth
March 10, 2023 | Colin Rubenstein
The way organisers of the partly taxpayer-funded Adelaide Writers’ Week have been defending extremist invitees, such as Palestinian author Susan Abulhawa – in spite of her record of vile hate speech against Jews and Israelis – represents a teachable moment.
Israel, Middle East update and analysis – Ehud Yaari on Sky News
March 3, 2023
Veteran Israeli journalist and AIJAC guest Ehud Yaari discussed the current situation in Israel and beyond with Sharri Markson on Sky News Australia, 2 March 2023.
Israel is facing twin existential crises – what is Benjamin Netanyahu doing to solve them?
March 2, 2023 | Ran Porat
At this stage, Netanyahu is committed to keeping his government alive more than standing up to Ben Gvir or Smotrich. However, the peaking violence in recent days may finally be starting to bring new initiatives to reach a compromise within the government. Israeli democracy is strong, but this is a big test for its vitality.
Palestine cannot achieve its aims without truly committing to peace alongside Israel
March 1, 2023 | Jamie Hyams
If anyone wants to perpetuate the violence and hostility, by all means prematurely recognise a Palestinian state. But to actually contribute to peace requires understanding the obstacles to a resolution and helping clear them. This means working to end the PA’s intransigence and cynicism by letting it know it cannot achieve its aims without genuinely committing to peace alongside Israel…
Activism power couple explain their mission – and the threats they face
February 28, 2023
A power couple in activism for human rights and coexistence, Yoseph Haddad and Emily Schrader spoke passionately about their work in combatting antisemitism and racism at an AIJAC media briefing held last week.
Free speech has limits
February 24, 2023 | Jamie Hyams
Contrary to those who fatuously claim that slurs against Israelis can’t be antisemitic, calling Israelis Nazis, calling the Jewish state an abomination that must be destroyed or substituting the word “Israelis” for “Jews” in blood libels is very much antisemitism.
MinterEllison’s principled decision shows they understand the difference between free speech and racism. It’s a shame Adler can’t.
