Alexander Downer speech to American Jewish Committee upon receiving the Ramer Award for Excellence in Diplomacy, Washington D.C.
May 9, 2008
The Australian and American Jewish communities have a lot in common. In both cases Jews have found in our countries the peace and tolerance which was denied them over the centuries in Europe and the Middle East: but they have not only found freedom and tolerance in Australia and America, they have contributed mightily to our two societies.
Annapolis: Joint Understanding of Negotiations – 2007
November 28, 2007
The representatives of the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), represented respectively by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Mahmoud Abbas, in his capacity as Chairman of the PLO Executive Committee and President of the Palestinian Authority, have convened in Annapolis, Maryland, under the auspices of President George W. Bush of the United States of America, and with the support of the participants of this international conference, having concluded the following Joint Understanding
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – selected quotes
October 10, 2007 | AIJAC staff
Selected quotes calling for and/or approving of an anticipated destruction of Israel
British Mandate in Palestine – 1922
November 10, 2006
The mandates for Palestine and Syria came into force simultaneously on September 29, 1922. In this document, the League of Nations recognized the “historical connection of the Jewish people with Palestine” and the “grounds for reconstituting their national home in that country.”
UN Resolution 181 – 1947
November 10, 2006
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181 called for the partition of the British-ruled Palestine Mandate into a Jewish state and an Arab state. It was approved on November 29, 1947 with 33 votes in favor, 13 against, 10 abstentions and one absent.
The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel – May 14, 1948
November 10, 2006
On May 14, 1948, on the day in which the British Mandate over a Palestine expired, the Jewish People’s Council gathered at the Tel Aviv Museum, and approved the following proclamation, declaring the establishment of the State of Israel.
The Balfour Declaration – 1917
November 2, 2006
During the First World War, British policy became gradually committed to the idea of establishing a Jewish home in Palestine (Eretz Yisrael). After discussions in the British Cabinet, and consultation with Zionist leaders, the decision was made known in the form of a letter by Arthur James Lord Balfour to Lord Rothschild. The letter represents the first political recognition of Zionist aims by a Great Power.
UN Security Council Resolution 1701 – 2006
August 11, 2006
In the midst of a military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah militia forces in Lebanon in July-August 2006 which brought about hundreds of deaths and injuries on both sides, the extensive damage to civilian infrastructure and massive internal displacement triggered by the 12 July abduction of two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid, the requirements for a ceasefire agreement were discussed by the UN General Assembly, which referred the issue to the Security Council. After lengthy discussion, a final draft for a Security Council resolution was adopted on August 11, 2006.
Australia’s Israel Question: A matter for civilised debate or partisan? (2006)
August 1, 2006 | Alan Goldberg
The catalyst for this conversation was the publication of Antony Loewenstein’s “My Israel Question”. But what is that question? Loewenstein calls it “a plea for mutual respect and understanding”. Yet his text does not consider mutuality in any way. He says his central concern is “a sustainable future for Israel and the Palestinians”.
