IN THE MEDIA

Free speech has limits

Feb 24, 2023 | Jamie Hyams

Foai1GAaYAAKLXl

A version of this letter appeared in the Age on February 23. 

Adelaide Writers Week Director Louise Adler says she is “surprised and disappointed” by law firm MinterEllison’s decision to remove its presence from the festival, as they are advocates for free speech (“Law firm boycotts festival over inclusion of Palestinian authors” February 22).

The Writers Week has now been widely condemned for featuring at least two guests who have made several antisemitic statements. As well as her offensive comments about Ukraine, Susan Abulhawa calls Israelis Nazis and Israel an abomination that must be destroyed, while as well as the tweets mentioned in the article, Mohammed El-Kurd has also accused Israelis of harvesting Palestinians’ organs.

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.

RELATED ARTICLES


Hamas fighters in the southern Gaza Strip (Image: Abed Rahim Khatib/ Shutterstock)

A permanent ceasefire now would be a victory for Hamas

Nov 29, 2023 | Featured, In the media
Screen Shot 2023 11 28 At 9.47.23 Am

Misguided claims underpin journalists’ anti-Israel open letter – Colin Rubenstein on Sky News

Nov 28, 2023 | Featured, In the media, Video
Tunnel under Al-Shifa Hospital (image: screenshot)

Hamas is using hospitals to commit “acts harmful to the enemy”

Nov 26, 2023 | Featured, In the media
Screen Shot 2023 11 27 At 9.31.02 Am

Disturbing propaganda “drip-fed” to student protesters – Joel Burnie on Sky News

Nov 26, 2023 | Featured, In the media, Video
Screen Shot 2023 11 24 At 2.46.31 Pm

Hostage release and humanitarian pause – Ran Porat on ABC News Radio

Nov 24, 2023 | Featured, In the media, Video
Image: Gil Cohen Magen/ Shutterstock

Under pressure, Netanyahu agrees to a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas. Are his days now numbered?

Nov 23, 2023 | Featured, In the media

SIGN UP FOR AIJAC EMAILS

RECENT POSTS

(Image: Shutterstock)

The Silence about Hamas’ ongoing War Crimes

Hamas fighters in the southern Gaza Strip (Image: Abed Rahim Khatib/ Shutterstock)

A permanent ceasefire now would be a victory for Hamas

(Source: Pixabay)

AIJAC applauds Federal Government’s announcement of Nazi salute ban

Screen Shot 2023 11 28 At 9.47.23 Am

Misguided claims underpin journalists’ anti-Israel open letter – Colin Rubenstein on Sky News

A Hamas gunman reloads to continue the rampage (screenshot)

Deconstruction Zone: Witnessing the Horror

(Image: Shutterstock)

The Silence about Hamas’ ongoing War Crimes

Hamas fighters in the southern Gaza Strip (Image: Abed Rahim Khatib/ Shutterstock)

A permanent ceasefire now would be a victory for Hamas

(Source: Pixabay)

AIJAC applauds Federal Government’s announcement of Nazi salute ban

Screen Shot 2023 11 28 At 9.47.23 Am

Misguided claims underpin journalists’ anti-Israel open letter – Colin Rubenstein on Sky News

A Hamas gunman reloads to continue the rampage (screenshot)

Deconstruction Zone: Witnessing the Horror

SORT BY TOPICS