FREE VOL. 86 Tuesday, 13 February, 2024 / 4 Adar I 5784
Fostering a closer Jewish community
The King David School student Loni, with his mother Andrea Zohar, on Prep Orientation Day – 31st January, 2024
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
COMMUNITY New year, new start AROUND
T H E
ANNE-MARIE ELIAS “What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year.” – Vern McLellan (author of Wise Words and Quotes) This quote stands out for me because often people wait for something to happen rather than be active participants in bringing about change. Take time to consider what you want your year to look like and then actively participate to ensure that it can happen. Here are seven practical tips to not only help you gain traction, but to maintain momentum. 1. Have a daily attitude of gratitude. In troubling times, we can easily fall into pessimism and critical thinking, so it is imperative to focus on what we are grateful for, no matter how small. University of California researchers Robert A. Emmons and Michael E. McCullough have found that being grateful is good for our psychological and physiological health. Living a life with gratitude reduces depression and stress levels, lowers blood pressure and can slow down some of the effects of aging.
JUD AI C A
QUIZ
RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN Thank you to our loyal readers for such positive feedback about Rabbi David Freedman’s original Judaica quiz. We are so pleased this was a feature last year at so many Shabbat and Yom Tov tables, sparking soulful debate with keen minds of all ages and stages. We are now back with a brand new quiz exclusive to each edition. Rabbi Freedman has a unique ability to weave in and amongst so many Jewish topics and themes, from the bible to Hollywood to Israeli geography to history to culture and more. Make sure you have a printed copy near and … ready, set, go! 1. Which American Jewish playwright wrote Rosemary's Baby (1967), The Stepford Wives (1972) and The Boys from Brazil (1976)? 2. Which popular Hebrew song, the melody of which is based on a Hassidic Nigun, was composed in 1918 to celebrate the Balfour Declaration and the British victory over the Turks in 1917? 3. When the Israelites arrived at Elim (Exodus 15) name one of the two natural features they found there. 4. Who embarked on a journey to Tarshish but never arrived at his destination? 5. What did Israeli politician Moshe Dwek steal from the Israeli army and then throw at David Ben Gurion while
2. Live a life with intention. This means taking actions and making decisions that are important to you and are true to who you are. Intentional living needs to become an everyday practice because an intentional life brings joy. 3. Energise by getting enough rest and sleep so that your batteries are recharged. We cannot feel our best when we are exhausted. Reducing the risk factors of some chronic illnesses, reenergising can also aid clear thinking.
4. Strengthen and maintain social interactions. Effective interpersonal relationships ensure that people have better quality of life, are happier and have increased longevity. Scientists have found that that regular socialising can relieve harmful levels of stress, which can adversely affect our heart, gut function, insulin regulation and immune system. 5. Be of service. By helping others, we can feel more fulfilled, as humans
are biologically hardwired to share. Neuroscientist Jorge Moll found that in helping and giving to others we get a ‘helper’s high’ as a result of releasing feel good hormones, such as endorphins. These neurotransmitters are addictive, ensuing that we continue this behaviour. 6. The saying, ‘we learn something new every day’ isn’t just a truism. To ensure that we continue to learn, make this a lifelong habit. Learning is particularly important as we get older. Keeping our brains fit and active is vital in helping to stave off memory loss and maintain cognitive function. Learning should therefore be based on skills requiring active engagement and high-level cognitive processes. This could be learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, engaging in crafts or dancing. 7. Place a priority on maintaining your health by getting a regular health screen, eating well and exercising. Don’t put off that appointment to the doctor, nutritionist or exercise physiologist. Please do not let being busy get in the way of leading a balanced life. Learn to prioritise, so that well-being can be the foundation of everything you want to do in life. Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.
Test your knowledge the Knesset was in session on October 29, 1957? 6. The first El Al flight took place in September 1948 and flew to Tel Aviv. Which European city was the point of origin: a) Athens b) Milan c) Geneva, or d) Amsterdam? 7. Which Israeli, born on 6 December 1981 in Haifa, is an Israeli mentalist and
11. Which Romance language is also called Judeo-Spanish or Judesmo? 12. Who wrote the 1994 novel entitled The Chamber, in which the office of Jewish lawyer Marvin Kramer is bombed, injuring Kramer and killing his two young sons? 13. Who was cursed with the following words: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your
Good luck. Enjoy. Hopefully, learn something new about your Jewish heritage and tradition.
self-described ‘mystifier’ who performs ‘supernatural entertainment’? 8. Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin was the outstanding disciple of which famous 18th century Lithuanian rabbi? 9. In which countries would one have found the Jews of: a) Kaifeng b) Cochin c) Yangon (formerly Rangoon)? 10. The Talmud contains three tractates that begin with the word Bava (Bava Kamma, Bava Metziah & Bava Bathra). What does the Aramaic word Bava mean?
head, and you will strike his heel.” 14. Which is the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel? 15. Which American actor descended from an Ashkenazi Jewish family from Kyiv, Ukraine, and Lai, Romania featured in The Graduate, Midnight Cowboy and Papillon? 16. What is the more popular name for Shir Hakavod (the Song of Glory) which is normally sung towards the end of the Shabbat and Yom Tov services? 17. Name one Hebrew letter that can act as an inseparable preposition. 18. In 1538 Rabbi Jacob Berab (from Safed) attempted to restore the
traditional form of Semichah, rabbinical ordination. What was the name of the most famous student he ordained, a rabbi who compiled the Code of Jewish Law? 19. After three Irgun fighters had been sentenced to death by the British in 1947, the Irgun retaliated by abducting two British sergeants off the streets of which Israeli city? 20. The biblical book Lamentations (in Hebrew – Eichah) was an eyewitness account of which historical event? 21. Which of the five Megillot is read on the festival of Shavuot and why? 22. What was the name of the Swedish diplomat whose actions in German-occupied Hungary saved tens of thousands of Jews during the Shoah? 23. Frederick Austerlitz was born on May 10, 1899. His father’s family were Austrian Jews who converted to Christianity. Austerlitz is widely considered the most influential dancer in the history of film. By what name was he known to the general public? 24. Rabbi Dr. Israel Porush was the senior rabbi of The Great Synagogue, Sydney from 1940 until 1972. In which city was he born? 25. Born in New York in 1935 to Jewish parents, Nettie and Martin Konigsberg, by what name is their son, Allan Stewart Konigsberg better known? ANSWERS PAGE 14
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
JDC Hibuki campaign THE JOINT AUSTRALIA Amid the profound trauma experienced by survivors in Israel, the Hibuki doll therapy program has emerged as a remarkable initiative, fostering healing and emotional expression among children. The dog-like doll with long, Velcro arms has become more than just a cuddly companion … also a means for children to articulate feelings they may not be ready to discuss openly. As Israel grapples with the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, the Hibuki doll stands as a symbol of resilience, providing a tangible and therapeutic approach to understanding and addressing the emotional complexities faced by young survivors in their journey towards recovery. Valentina and her daughter Maayan live in Ashkelon. The area has long suffered rocket attacks launched by terrorists in Gaza. In 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, Valentina was teaching in a local pre-school and was part of a Jewish Distribution Committee (JDC) training exercise on how to comfort youngsters using the Hibuki doll and the Hibuki therapy methods (Hibuk is Hebrew for "hug"). Also at that time, Maayan received her very own Hibuki doll through a JDC program in her school. Since then, Hibuki has remained among Maayan's most treasured possessions. When the rockets began reigning down again at the start of the current war, Maayan quickly grabbed Hibuki off the
shelf and brought him to the shelter. But when she got there, she realised that there are now other, much younger children, who needed him more. Maayan gifted her Hibuki doll to a twoyear-old boy she met in the shelter. Hibuki dolls will hopefully continue to bring comfort to many. JDC has purchased thousands of new dolls and will work in partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Education to distribute them. It will also offer trauma therapy and support to children of all ages that have been deeply impacted by the current crisis.
How many common words of 5 or more letters can you spell using the letters in the hive? Every answer must use the centre letter at least once. Letters may be reused in a word. At least one word will use all 7 letters and have a direct Jewish connection. Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score 1 point for each answer and 3 points for a Jewish related word that uses all 7 letters. Rating: 7 = Good; 13 = Excellent; 18 = Genius
To donate to the Emergency Campaign for Children, go to: https://www.mycause.com.au/ page/324144/for-the-childrenemergency-campaign
Valentina and her daughter Maayan in Ashkelon
ONE PEOPLE
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER UNITING HEARTS REHABILITATING ISRAEL
Always there for the People of Israel
uiaaustralia.org.au
Yoni Glatt has published more than 1,000 crossword puzzles worldwide, from the LA Times and Boston Globe to The Jerusalem Post. He has also published two Jewish puzzle books: "Kosher Crosswords" and the sequel "More Kosher Crosswords and Word Games". ANSWERS PAGE 14
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
COMMUNITY Rebuilding the dream AROUND
T H E
UIA UIA Australia will host Major General (retired) Doron Almog and Michal Uziyahu as the guests of honour for its 2024 Campaign Gala Events in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in March. The guest speakers for the 2024 Campaign Gala represent the essence of Israel and bring with them stories of inspiration, pain, heroism and resilience. Major General Almog is one of Israel’s greatest military heroes. As Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel, he heads one of the most critical national institutions in the country. He is tasked with not only rebuilding the South, but with its continued mandate of supporting critical national projects across Israel and the Jewish world. Almog has been directly affected by the October 7 massacre, having lost close relatives, enduring the pain of some who were held captive by Hamas and then released and having to deal with the uncertainty of those still held in Gaza. Uziyahu works with the Eshkol Regional Council, which consists of 32 communities along the Israeli border of Israel and Gaza. She is working directly with the regional Mayor to develop the region’s response to the trauma endured. Only a couple of weeks after the October 7 slaughter, Uziyahu joined UIA for one of the most powerful webinars ever conducted. Amidst her intense personal
Major General (retired) Doron Almog
Michal Uziyahu
and communal pain, she left us with these enduring words: “we are grieving, but we will rebuild.” She is also a former shlicha of The Jewish Agency for Israel in Colorado. This year’s Campaign Gala Events will provide a unique opportunity for the community to come together, express support, mourn, provide tangible assistance and show solidarity in a manner that has not been needed in more than 50 years. It is a chance to stand up and be counted as part of the local community, and to continue to stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world as we face one of the greatest challenges of this generation. As Uziyahu said in that emotional webinar: “How can we do this from the crisis and devastation? Together,
Yachad.” Now is our chance to come together as one community, with one goal of rebuilding and rehabilitating Israel. “This year’s UIA events will be unlike any held in the Jewish community for decades. The intense feelings and emotions that have been displayed by our community for the past four months will be channelled into an inspiring, powerful and uplifting experience that can only be achieved by coming together, standing united and joining in solidarity. The annual UIA events are always one of our community’s most powerful communal experiences and this year will be no different. I genuinely hope that every member of our community will use this opportunity to connect and reflect in a most meaningful way,” said UIA Australia CEO Yair Miller.
Attendance at the events will send a strong and clear message through Major General Almog and Uziyahu that our community, as part of the global Keren Hayesod-UIA family, stands firmly with them and all those impacted by the atrocities of October 7, the subsequent war and the rise in global antisemitism. “The community’s presence at our Campaign Gala Events is crucial in enabling us to embrace the power of unity and compassion. Stand with us, attend our events and show the extraordinary strength within our community. This year, more than ever, Israel needs our unwavering support,” said UIA Australia President Esther Frenkiel OAM. Bookings are now open for Melbourne and Sydney, while Perth will open soon. Please note that the Melbourne events are close to a sell out, so to book for Melbourne phone 9272-5533. Further announcements regarding event details will be made in due course. NSW General Division – Sunday 3 March Women’s Division – Sunday 17 March VIC General Division – Wednesday 6 March Women’s Division – Tuesday 19 March WA General Division – Thursday 7 March Women’s Division – Thursday 21 March Follow UIA on Facebook and Instagram (@uiaaus) to stay up to date on its 2024 Campaign events.
STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER: UNITING HEARTS REHABILITATING ISRAEL
2024 UIA GALA EVENT
MICHAL UZIYAHU ESHKOL REGIONAL COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 7.15pm for 8pm uiaaus.net/24vic-gala
T
CHAIRMAN JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL
TH RE E BU SO NE D I LD ARRE LD O LY AM U
DORON ALMOG
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
COMMUNITY Antisemitism in the firing line AROUND
T H E
AJA In a significant move aimed at bolstering community engagement and fostering dialogue, Teneille Murray, former Executive Director of the Zionist Council of NSW, has been appointed as the new Community Engagement Director of the Australian Jewish Association (AJA). With a wealth of experience in community leadership and a strong commitment to promoting unity and understanding, Murray is set to make significant strides in enhancing community connections and combating antisemitism. As Community Engagement Director at AJA, Murray aims to build upon the organisation's mission by organising a series of talks and events. These gatherings will serve as platforms for community members, synagogues and other organisations to engage in meaningful discussions on various topics, fostering greater understanding and unity. AJA President Dr David Adler and CEO Robert Gregory have already addressed numerous synagogues and groups across Australia. Gregory said Murray’s appointment heralds an exciting chapter for the AJA. "Her expertise and commitment to community engagement make her the
AJA’s new Community Engagement Director, Teneille Murray
ideal leader to spearhead our efforts in combating antisemitism and promoting dialogue." Indeed, the fight against antisemitism remains paramount. AJA Tzedakah, which is focused on combatting antiJewish sentiment, recently conducted a successful Charidy campaign, in which it greatly exceeded its $150,000 goal. The campaign's success highlights the community's solidarity
and determination to fight hate. "The overwhelming support for our Charidy campaign underscores our community's solidarity and support," said Murray. "It demonstrates our collective resolve to combat hatred in all forms." As Community Engagement Director, Murray will leverage this momentum to develop strategies and initiatives in collaboration with community leaders, organisations and individuals. Her aim is
to promote dialogue, understanding and unity while addressing hate. In the months ahead, Murray will work to inspire others to join the fight against antisemitism. Her leadership, combined with her passion and advocacy experience, positions her well to support the AJA’s already successful endeavours in community engagement and activism. AJA has had strong growth in membership recently from younger members of the Jewish community. Murray will specifically be organising events for Jewish youth. “In the face of the tragic events in Israel on October 7th, it is more crucial than ever to stand united against antisemitism. We must not only condemn such acts of hatred, but also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to combating such hatred in all its forms. I am committed to representing our community with strength and resilience. I am determined to ensure that the voices of the Australian Jewish community are heard and respected,” Murray said. With her on board, the future of the AJA looks even brighter and with it comes the promise of continued progress and impact in the years to come. If you would like to arrange for a speaker from AJA to address your congregation or group, please contact Teneille Murray at office@jewishassociation.org.au
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
AROUND
T H E
COMMUNITY
Technion is revolutionising our plate
YOASH DVIR TECHNION AUSTRALIA We have just marked an historic milestone in the journey towards sustainable food production. Aleph Farms, an innovative company at the forefront of cultivated meat technology, received world first approval to market its lab-grown beef products in Israel. This breakthrough heralds a new era in food production, one where meat is grown from animal cells in a lab rather than obtained through traditional livestock farming. The future of cultivated meat is one where food is produced without the ethical and environmental concerns associated with conventional animalbased food industries. That, or course, includes pollution, dwindling land and water resources, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, antibioticsresistant bacteria proliferation and animal welfare issues. Cultivated meat, also known as cultured meat or clean meat, involves extracting a small sample of animal cells, known as “stem cells”, and nurturing them in a controlled environment to grow into muscle tissue – essentially producing real meat without the need to raise and slaughter animals. This method aims to drastically reduce the environmental footprint of meat production and address ethical concerns, providing a sustainable, guilt-free alternative to traditional meat.
Professor Yoav Livney sharing a business presentation with members of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC) at accounting firm Kelly+Partners (photo courtesy Liora Engler, AICC)
The significance of Aleph Farms' achievement cannot be overstated. It paves the way for a future where food production aligns with the growing global demand for environmentally friendly, ethical and sustainable dietary choices. This is particularly relevant in light of the challenges facing the meat and dairy industries, including their substantial contributions to climate change, resource depletion and ethical debates around animal farming. Professor Yoav Livney from the Faculty of Biotechnology & Food Engineering
at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, recently visited Sydney and brought these discussions to the forefront, highlighting the evolving landscape of food technology. During his briefings, he explored the variety of technologies available for creating alternative proteins, not just meat, but also dairy and egg products. However, despite the excitement surrounding these innovations, the technologies for producing alternative protein are not yet fully mature. Challenges, such as scaling up production, reducing costs to reach
price parity with the parallel animal products and ensuring desirable sensory properties and nutritional equivalence remain. Yet, the reformulation of animal food substitutes provides an opportunity to create products of greater nutritional and health impact compared to the original animal-based products, by removing undesired components (like mercury in fish or saturated fats in beef) and adding more health promoting ones (vitamins, or healthy oils). Recognising these hurdles, Professor Livney has taken a significant step by establishing the Sustainable Protein Center at the Technion. This multidisciplinary research hub aims to further explore and promote solutions for sustainable protein production, supporting companies in their mission to bring these innovative products to our tables in a cost-effective and healthy way. The dawn of cultivated meat and alternative dairy products represents more than just a technological marvel; it signifies a shift towards a more conscientious and sustainable approach to food production. In embracing these innovations, we're not just changing what's on our plates, we're reimagining the very essence of how we produce and consume food. The journey towards sustainable protein is just starting, but with leaders like Professor Livney and the breakthroughs achieved by Aleph Farms, the path forward is clearer and more promising than ever.
Well PREPared! THE KING DAVID SCHOOL The day before The King David School welcomed all its students back to school was a big one for its Preppies who had a special ‘Welcome to Prep’ session. The Prep students appeared less nervous than their parents, who waved anxiously to their children as they were guided to their classrooms. The morning was spent exploring the exciting resources, activities and interactive games in their classrooms. The Prep teachers, Rebecca Fiala and Rebecca Rudstein, led activities that helped the youngsters get to know their classmates. Students were taught about the foods that help
concentration – “brain food” – and read Mem Fox’s Where is the Green Sheep together. They also became more familiar with the specialist areas of the Junior School. That included the library, art room, music spaces and Jewish Life space, as well as the upgraded playground. This was not the first time many of the students had been in the Prep classrooms. The King David School has a comprehensive senior kinder transition program that pupils in the Early Learning Centre participate in during their last term at kinder. Throughout that term, they play games in the Prep space, get to know their teachers and explore the Junior School in preparation for the year ahead.
The King David School prep students, from left: Ruby Cowan, Isla Perelberg and Ollie Bennett
Book a Discovery Tour ELC & Junior School Tour (Pre-Kindergarten-Year 5) Friday 8 March 2024
Middle School & Senior School Tour (Years 6-12) Wednesday 8 May 2024 Book online: www.kds.vic.edu.au Enquiries: 03 9527 0102
Join King David and Grow with Us
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
AROUND
T H E
COMMUNITY
A big year of Jewish activities planned
AUJS Given recent events in Israel and the subsequent rise of antisemitism in Australia, it is evident that the need for Jewish engagement opportunities is at an all-time high. As students return to campus, there is a growing need for spaces for Jewish students to freely express themselves, discuss difficult issues and openly engage with their Jewish identity. Being a pluralistic organisation, the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) caters to a wide variety of Jewish students from a multitude of backgrounds. As such, AUJS has curated activities to run throughout the year in order to both engage and satisfy its diverse membership, on campus, regionally and at a federal level. A popular initiative at The University of Melbourne is AUJS’ weekly kosher lunches. They are about encouraging Jewish students to meet one another, while also enjoying some free food. The lunches have been well received and are a great way for students – especially those that didn’t grow up in the “Jewish bubble” and those that are new to university – to meet other Jews that also mightn’t know anyone on campus.
AUJS Jewish Engagement Coordinator Miriam Itzkowitz at Accelerate 2023 (photo courtesy Sam Babus)
Regionally, AUJS is aiming to run more inter-campus events, especially those pertaining to the chaggim. It could be the annual Purim party, a mock seder for Pesach or “Ted Talks” for Tikkun Leil Shavuot. Federally, in 2021 AUJS launched Accelerate, a seminar dedicated
to providing students with a clearer understanding of Israel and Zionism. This year, the AUJS Jewish Engagement Coordinator Miriam Itzkowitz and shaliach Tobias Siegel have been working to reimagine the program. As a result, it will provide a comprehensive political and Jewish
overview of several facets of Israeli society post October 7. The seminar will examine the relationships between the secular and religious, the right-wing and left-wing and various ethnic groups within Israel. It will allow participants to critically reflect on their own relationships with Israel and learn how to both advocate for it and be able to criticise it in a constructive manner. The Jewish Engagement Coordinator and shaliach are also collaborating on the long-awaited revival of the AUJS journal, The Kosher Oyster. It will encourage students to contribute pieces related to their experiences on campus, connection to Israel and Jewish identity. The Jewish Engagement Coordinator will also be working with AUJS’ Leadership and Development Coordinator to start a semi-frequent video interview series. To be called The Tuesday Schmooze, it will allow students to engage with interesting Jews (or Jewish allies) from around the world. Another prospective initiative by AUJS is a debate series, in which students would be able to listen to a panel of Jews discussing controversial topics. So, AUJS members have a lot to look forward to in 2024 in terms of Jewish engagement opportunities.
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
RABBI NI C
THOUGHT
Family ties
RABBI DANIEL RABIN Embarking on a trip to London with my youngest son, Eli, for a family Bar Mitzvah last December, I anticipated a straightforward journey. However, it unfolded into a profound exploration of parenting, resilience and mutual learning between parent and child. Of course, the adventure started with an extremely long flight from Melbourne. Jetlag hit us on the first morning in London. It led us to walk through London's quiet streets in the cold at 5:30am, searching for the nearest Kosher bakery. Fortunately, one wasn’t too far away and we got to enjoy freshly baked rugelach. This simple pleasure taught me the value of embracing the unexpected and finding joy in small moments. Trying to witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, we faced overwhelming crowds, which made it nearly impossible to see anything. Eli's quick rebound from disappointment taught me resilience and adaptability. It leads me to say that our experiences are shaped more by our reactions than by events themselves. On our way to another tourist attraction, Eli felt unwell on the Tube. Despite our initial excitement about the proposed visit, Eli said he wanted to go back to where we were staying. So, we
Rabbi Daniel Rabin with his youngest son Eli in London recently
got off at the next stop and headed home. This underscored the importance of empathy and responding to each other's needs, a foundational aspect of our relationship. The Bar Mitzvah ceremony was a real eye-opener, highlighting the importance of keeping our children connected to
their family roots. Seeing Eli dive into the traditions and ask questions about why we do what we do made it clear that these aren't just old rituals. They're a way of keeping our family and history alive through the generations. It showed me that teaching our kids about where they come from gives them a solid
foundation and connects them with a long line of people who have gone before. Eli’s enthusiasm reminded me that it's up to us to ensure these traditions don't just survive, but thrive with each new generation. A visit to Hamleys’ toy store became a lesson in decision-making. Eli had to select one toy within a budget, teaching him the value of thoughtful choices. This was not just about selecting a toy, but about understanding the importance of decisions that resonate with our values. Throughout our journey, I learned much from Eli. His joy in exploring a new city, resilience in disappointment and curiosity about family traditions reminded me of the learning that occurs through shared experiences. Children's unique perspectives, untarnished by cynicism, offer insights that can reshape our approach to parenting. Reflecting on our trip now, I realise these experiences have deepened our relationship. The challenges we faced together have brought us closer. Each journey with Eli is an opportunity to grow, teach and learn, embracing the lessons from our collective experiences. As we look ahead, the new school year reminds us of the growth and learning that lie in sharing special moments with our children. Embracing the world together with resilience, empathy and an open heart offers endless possibilities for bonding and development.
Renewing the Be’eri Forest JNF On October 7, residents of southern Israel were thrust into a nightmare that shook Israel to its core. One of the largest massacres was perpetrated at the Nova Festival, held in the forest areas surrounding Be’eri. That is where thousands of young people had gathered to enjoy a weekend of music. Today, the decimated Gaza border communities stand desolate, much of their local forests reduced to ashes. The Be’eri Forest holds a special historical significance. Its first seeds were planted by pioneers (chalutzim) in the western Negev in 1946. Despite the improbability of growth in the arid land, this act of hope envisioned new life – flourishing agriculture and thriving communities. Since 2014, the Be’eri Forest has been periodically hit by incendiary balloon and kite attacks, launched by terrorist organisations in Gaza. These airborne arson strikes have set ablaze forests,
fields and nature reserves, causing extensive environmental damage. The Be’eri Forest was further desecrated on October 7. Donations from this year’s JNF Green Sunday appeal will provide an opportunity for supporters to partner with JNF in helping to restore the forest. Its serene Re’im Recreation Area, close to the site of the Nova Festival, is where new trees will be planted. JNF is resolutely committed to breathing new life into the scarred landscape, with plans to replant 120 acres (50 hectares) with trees, selected for their ability to withstand fires. The revitalisation of the Be’eri Forest will serve as a powerful symbol of resilience for the community of Be’eri – turning darkness into a canvas of renewal. Its restoration is a symbol of hope and a crucial step in the collective healing and growth of the region and its residents.
JNF Green Sunday Appeal Renewing the Be’eri Forest A symbol of remembrance, resilience, hope & healing for communities in Israel’s South.
You can still donate to the JNF Green Sunday appeal at jnf.org.au/beeri/ or by calling 1300 563 563.
Donate Now jnf.org.au/beeri 1300 563 563
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
CO NS I D E R E D
OPINION
DR YVETTE ALT MILLER COURTESY: AISH.COM Countries are pulling their funding from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the United Nations body that performs essential social services in Gaza and elsewhere, due to allegations that at least a dozen of their employees helped plan and took part in the October 7 pogrom, which saw over 1,400 Israelis murdered, raped and kidnapped. It’s about time. For generations, United Nations employees have spread hate and radicalisation, and made true peace between Israel and Palestinian Arabs all but impossible. Here are nine facts about the UN in Gaza and how it has fomented violence through the years. 1. The UN treats Palestinian refugees differently from all other refugees in the world Nearly all refugees around the world are aided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, founded in 1921 by the League of Nations and today run by the United Nations. The High Commissioner for Refugees mandate is “protecting people forced to flee and those left stateless” by international conflicts, and it works around the world to provide emergency help to those forced to flee their homes. It estimates that currently it is aiding 108.4 million people who’ve been displaced from their homes, often by resettling refugees in new countries. There is one exception to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ work. Any Arab who lived – or who had an ancestor who lived – in any land which today is Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank between June 1, 1946 and May 15, 1948, and was displaced from the location they resided during those two years, is taken care of by a special UN refugee agency: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Founded by the United Nations in 1949, after the establishment of the state of Israel, and the subsequent war against it launched by its Arab neighbours, UNRWA is the only UN agency created to care for a specific refugee population. It also defines “refugee” very differently from the rest of the UN. 2. UNRWA defines refugee as a permanent state In 1951, the UN Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees specified that a person is no longer a refugee if they have found a home in a new country and been granted citizenship in their new home. UNRWA alone ignores this landmark ruling: when it comes to Palestinian Arabs, becoming a citizen of another country has no effect on refugee status. Arabs who resided in presentday Israel between 1946 and 1948 and left are thus permanent refugees, counted as stateless by the United Nations, even if they’ve acquired citizenship in the United States, Jordan, Britain or elsewhere. What’s more, their children and grandchildren are all considered refugees as well. In 1965, seeing that many Palestinian Arabs were building new lives for themselves, UNRWA changed their definition of refugee (only for Palestinian Arabs): children and grandchildren of refugees would be considered refugees too. UNRWA changed their rules again in 1982, saying that all descendants through the male line – including adopted children – are refugees, forever, no matter their citizenship status or where in the world they were born or live. 3. UNRWA creates the false perception that Israel will disappear By defining refugees so broadly, UNRWA is ensuring that those descended from people who once lived in present-day Israel harbor plans to return to their ancestors’ former homes. While the UN High Commissioner for Refugees considers it a success when refugees settle in safe countries, UNRWA regards any life that their “refugees” build for themselves as temporary. Today, UNRWA considers 5.9 million people around the world to be Palestinian refugees. By classifying them as refugees – for most people, a temporary designation – UNRWA creates the false perception that the only desirable situation is for these refugees to return to the original spaces their ancestors once lived in.
UN workers helped Hamas attack Israel Mutterings
Stoking this false hope encourages people to consider Israel a temporary impediment to their ultimate goal. “UNRWA became a central mechanism in keeping a permanent question mark over the existence of a Jewish state,” explains Israeli politician and writer Einat Wilf. 4. UNRWA encourages apartheid in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria Israel is often erroneously accused of being an apartheid country these days. Ironically, Palestinian Arabs do experience apartheid in some Middle Eastern Arab countries, including Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, where UNRWA operates “refugee camps”, which have grown through the years to become massive towns and cities. In Jordan, the UNRWA counts 2,307,011 Palestinian refugees. According to UNRWA, “most” have Jordanian citizenship, yet the UN still considers them refugees. 18 per cent of the Palestinian population in Jordan lives in ten areas UNRWA maintains as refugee camps (including inside the capital city, Amman), benefiting from UNRWA funded schools, health clinics, financial loans and other services. In recent decades, Jordanian authorities have arbitrarily revoked the citizenship of thousands of Palestinian refugees in their country, an act made much easier by the presence of UNRWA to provide documentation, services and diplomatic representation for the “refugees” in their midst. UNRWA operates nine “refugee camps” (often towns and cities or neighbourhoods in cities) in Syria, helping a total of 575,234 “refugees” in that country. Syria has never offered citizenship to Palestinian refugees, including their children and grandchildren. Instead of working with the Syrian authorities to obtain citizenship or working to settle these Palestinian Arabs in a new country where they could become citizens, UNRWA has encouraged them to remain in Syria, where they are second-class citizens. In Lebanon, most Palestinian refugees and their descendants are outcasts, denied citizenship and basic rights, such as freedom to work and access to schools. Rather than agitate for greater integration or help settle them somewhere else, UNRWA operates nine refugee camps and 64 schools, sustaining a population of 489,282 permanent refugees. It’s an intolerable situation that wouldn’t be accepted by any other UN agency. 5. The UN allows Hamas to avoid the hard task of governing Gaza It was often supposed that when confronted with the reality of governing, Hamas would become more moderate. That never was
the case: Hamas has remained a fanatical, rigid, Islamist group, which oppresses LGBTQ+ people, women, Christians and political dissenters, and is implacably devoted to Israel’s destruction. That’s in part because of UNRWA’s presence in Gaza. UNRWA allows Hamas to avoid the hard task of governing Gaza by doing much of the day-to-day work of looking after Gaza’s people for them. In Gaza, UNRWA operates 183 schools and 22 doctors’ offices. That’s 183 schools and 22 medical centres that Hamas doesn’t have to fund and run, leaving Hamas free to devote its money to building a network of fortified bunkers and tunnels throughout the area and building up a massive army and supply of weapons. With an annual budget of about US $1.6 billion, UNRWA employs over 34,000 people. (In comparison, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which aids a much larger population, has a staff of about 18,000.) That represents a massive investment in Gaza’s day-to-day functioning, which Hamas did not have to make. 6. Gaza’s UN schools teach hatred of Jews and Israelis UNRWA produces many of the textbooks it uses in the hundreds of schools it runs. For years, many of these books have been riddled with hatred for Jews and Israel. UN Watch, an independent organisation monitoring the UN, recently combed hundreds of UNRWA textbooks and observed UNRWA schools. It found: “Teachers and schools at the UN agency that runs education and social services for Palestinians regularly call to murder Jews, and create teaching materials that glorify terrorists, encourage martyrdom, demonise Israelis and incite antisemitism….” Some of the most egregious examples of antisemitism came from UNRWA schools in Gaza. In one typical example, UNRWA’s AlZaytun Elementary School in Gaza included lessons for 5th graders glorified Dalal Mughrabi, a female terrorist who landed in a boat on Israel’s shores in 1978 and helped carry out the “Coastal Road Massacre”, hijacking two busses and shooting and lobbing grenades at passing cars. 38 Israelis were murdered, including 13 children and many more were injured. UNRWA teachers called Mughrabi a “hero” to emulate. 7. UNRWA allows Hamas to use its facilities UNRWA schools and medical buildings in Gaza have been found to conceal entrances to Hamas-built tunnels inside them. Tzipi Hotovely, Israel’s Ambassador to Great Britain, recently described the situation in Gaza: “Every school, every mosque, every second house” conceals a Hamas entrance,
weapons depot or both. Despite the UN’s recent insistence that its employees had absolutely no idea Hamas was building a network of terror tunnels bigger than the London Tube system underneath Gaza, UNRWA officials did report that Hamas was building tunnels under their buildings two times in 2017 and again in 2021 and 2022. It’s impossible to know what the relationship was between each UNRWA site and Hamas and whether UNRWA’s participation in Hamas’ preparations for war were voluntary or coerced. Willingly or not, however, UNRWA – as well as other UN agencies and aid groups – have provided cover for Hamas’ military build-up for years. Soon after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, as Israel began bombing Hamas targets in Gaza, UNRWA tweeted that Hamas members looted UNRWA food and fuel supplies. UNRWA deleted the tweets and issued statements denying that Hamas had taken any supplies. Willingly or not, UNRWA workers were protecting Hamas. 8. UNRWA Has falsely accused Israel of targeting aid workers UNRWA claims over 150 of its employees have been killed during the current war between Hamas and Israel. Their presence in buildings that are known terror centres opens them to risk – and raises the question of why so many UNRWA buildings are doing double duty as Hamas depots. Yet instead of causing any soul searching in the UN, the fact that UN buildings house Hamas tunnels is being ignored. Just before Christmas 2023, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, accused Israel of killing UN aid workers on an unprecedented scale. His accusations shocked the world, yet they say much more about the close ties between UNRWA members and Hamas than about Israel. US Representative Darrell Issa, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the US House of Representatives, has noted: “There is extensive evidence of a troubling connection between UNRWA and Hamas, and it is far deeper than was known.” 9. UN workers helped plan and execute the massive pogrom in Israel on October 7 Given UNRWA’s hostility to Israel, the evidence – which has not been publicly disclosed – that UNRWA workers helped plan and took part in the October 7 attacks, in which 1,200 Israelis were murdered and over 240 were kidnapped, must be horribly damning. “This was strong and corroborated intelligence,” a senior Israeli official who withheld his name has said. “A lot of the intelligence is a result of interrogations of militants who were arrested during the October 7 attack.” In addition to taking part in the attacks, which included widespread sexual violence, torture, kidnapping and murder, UNRWA employees used UNRWA vehicles and buildings in the course of the attacks and kidnappings. On January 25, UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini said he received “information about the alleged involvement of several employees” in the horrific attacks. Lazzarini immediately fired a dozen UNRWA employees. These explosive allegations came just days after the International Court of Justice, another United Nations agency, ruled that Israel must take steps to avoid committing any act that is genocide in its war with Gaza. With Israel’s every military move under intense scrutiny right now, it’s important to examine the people and organisations who are critiquing Israel, as well. It’s tempting to assume that a prestigious, august institution such as the UN could never harbour genocidal evil as Hamas does. Yet for years, UN agencies have encouraged vile antisemitism and hatred of Israel. UNRWA behaves like a combatant, helping Hamas fight and kill Israelis and Jews. It’s long past time we stopped giving them a pass and held them to account for their actions as combatants and allies of Hamas.
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
CO NS I D E R E D
OPINION
DR YVETTE ALT MILLER COURTESY: AISH.COM Urban Dictionary began in 1999 as a parody of the popular website Dictionary.com. A crowdsourcing website, urbandictionary.com allows users to upload words and phrases in real time; a team of moderators approves users’ submissions before allowing them on the site. The site has gained a devoted following, garnering over 65 million monthly visits, archived by the Library of Congress, and is a major reference for linguists studying English slang. If Urban Dictionary is useful in giving a snapshot of the way language is used, then its current range of definitions is worrisome. Dozens of Jewish and Israel-related words and phrases have intensely negative definitions, depicting Jews and the Jewish state as venal, untrustworthy and dangerous. Take the word “Jew” itself. Some mainstream definitions exist on the site, defining Jews as members of the Jewish religion and people. Many other definitions are offensive: “Synonym for screw over; to cheat or deceive someone;”, “term for someone who is rich and stingy; and “to jew someone out of money is basically short changing them.” Other words related to Jews display hurtful definitions: “Hebrew Jeebies” are
Urban Dictionary’s anti-Jewish terms “something you feel when a person of Jewish decent (sic) leaves you with an unsettled feeling”. “Kosher Casino” is defined as the stock market; one who makes money on the stock market and “beat them at their own game”, apparently referring to Jews. “Jew Gold” is “a term for the small bag of gold that Jews wear around their neck … it has been scientifically proven that it is impossible to get a Jew to part with their Jew Gold.” Urban Dictionary has contained multitudes of antisemitic content for years; recently, it’s got even worse. Since Hamas’ brutal terrorist incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 240 Israelis kidnapped, Urban Dictionary’s definitions have taken an even darker turn. “Israel” is now a verb, defined as: “The act of taking something that is not yours and then kicking out the rightful owner” and “when a person tells you that your property is theirs (when it obviously isn’t).” Urban Dictionary users are advised to say “I’ve been Israeled!” whenever they’ve been cheated out of something. Similarly, “Israeling” now means lying or cheating on someone: “My girlfriend lied … she was totally Israeling”, Urban Dictionary declares. A contributor on the site who goes by the name Oxford Curriculum Reviewer goes even further, defining “Israeling”
The online slang dictionary is seeing an uptick in anti-Israel definitions
as “stepping over corpses” to steal what rightfully belongs to another person. All of these insulting definitions were approved by Urban Dictionary monitors. Users on the site define “Israel” in numerous vulgar ways, giving definitions such as “wants to take over land that isn’t theres (sic),” defining Israel as not a real country and calling Israel a brutal country which steals others’ land and history. Some postOctober 7 definitions to the site betray a strange preoccupation with trying to prove that Jews living in Israel are somehow not “real” Jews or are not “Semites” (sometimes twisting themselves in knots trying to prove that hating Jews is therefore not antisemitic.) Since October 7, the new word “Palestined” has arisen, with largely positive associations attributed to it. To be “Palesinted” is: “to reclaim something that has been Israeled from you for so long.” Some users have posted more negative definitions, but the vast majority are positive. Users are given the sample sentence: “I finally reclaimed my pen after that guy took it from me and claimed it as his!” These offensive definitions are a snapshot of the way our language is evolving and indicate high levels of confusion about Israel and the Middle East. Outlets such as Urban Dictionary don’t only reflect current trends in
language, they help dictate it. When users read that “to Israel” means to steal, that odious definition seems a little more plausible. When users know that speakers somewhere are using Jew in a derogatory way, then it becomes that much easier to utter anti-Jewish slurs. Trends have a way of snowballing; as more and more users define Israel and Jewish-related words in negative ways, doing so will become ever easier and more likely. Resisting the rise in hate speech There are a few ways we all can resist the rise in negative speech on Urban Dictionary and elsewhere. When it comes to urbandictionary.com, reach out to complain about antisemitic (and other offensive) definitions by using the contact button at the top of Urban Dictionary’s site. More generally, resolve to stand up to offensive or demeaning language. Object whenever you hear people or groups of people referred to in a derogatory way. Adopt a zerotolerance policy, starting with the newest anti-Israel and anti-Jewish slurs that are being spread. Call out biased and inaccurate media reports, which depict Israel as a cartoon villain, fuelling the spread of anti-Israel slang. Speak up, educate your peers, blog and tell people about the complexities behind the Israel-Hamas war.
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
CO NS I D E R E D
OPINION AMICHAI COHEN
The international legal proceedings against Israel are part of an ongoing campaign led by the Palestinian Authority to turn the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into a global one. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently issued a series of interim measures in South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel. In this lawsuit, South Africa claimed that Israel was violating its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention) in the context of the war in Gaza. Most of the discourse since the ruling has focused on the decision’s impact on Israel and its immediate implications. In short, the ICJ’s rhetoric reflected South Africa’s position against Israel, as it ruled that South Africa’s claim was not unfounded. At the same time, in practice, the orders issued by the ICJ did not take into consideration Israel’s gravest apprehensions, namely the order for the cessation of hostilities in Gaza. Instead, the ICJ instructed Israel not to commit genocide, which Israel says it is not committing; to ensure it supplies sufficient humanitarian aid, a rather vague term; and to prevent and punish incitement to genocide. Indeed, had the ICJ ordered a cessation of hostilities, it could have
What were the motives and results of South Africa's ICJ case against Israel? had an impact on the war and Israel would have faced great difficulties visà-vis some of its allies had it continued fighting despite the court’s rulings. While the worst-case scenario did not come to pass, the orders issued have some future effects. What did the ICJ order? First, the ICJ ordered Israel to submit a report within 30 days pertaining to its compliance with the court’s orders. It explicitly stated that should South Africa find Israel’s report insufficient, it may apply again to the ICJ for temporary injunctions. In other words, the hearing in the ICJ may only be the opening act for further hearings on requests for interim measures. Nevertheless, if there is no change in the actual state of warfare or a humanitarian catastrophe, it is unlikely that the ICJ will change its mind and order a cessation of hostilities. On the other hand, if Israel’s report does not address the issue of incitement, it is indeed possible that the ICJ will choose to tighten its directives. Moreover, the ICJ hearing on the merits of the South Africa v. Israel case is expected to persist for years. Throughout these proceedings, we should expect a series of discussions regarding Israel’s actions – discussions in which different
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countries will use the international podium to tarnish Israel’s reputation. Second, next month, the ICJ is scheduled to start another proceeding that could affect Israel. The UN General Assembly asked the court for an advisory opinion on “the legal implications of Israeli policies and actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and East Jerusalem.” This proceeding presents claims against Israel and states that Israel’s continued control over the territories (mainly the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem) is illegal under international law. Although an advisory opinion is not binding under international law and Israel chose not to participate in the proceedings, we must consider the interplay between these two cases. Given that Israel has indeed managed to avoid a cessation-of-hostilities order in the genocide case, many countries worldwide may see this as a sign that the ICJ is not a political or biased court but a professional one. In the context of the genocide case, even the judges who come from Muslim countries (Lebanon, Morocco, and Somalia) did not believe that an order should be issued to stop the war. This makes it harder even for Israel’s allies to accept the idea that the ICJ is a political and biased body, as was broadly understood among supporters
of Israel prior to the genocide case. It would be difficult for Israel to dismiss the advisory opinion as a meaningless, biased opinion. Finally, the International Criminal Court (ICC), an international tribunal also in the Hague (which, unlike the ICJ, focuses on individuals, not states), is investigating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ICC prosecutor has already visited the area several times and pledged to speed up investigations. Here, too, Israel may find itself before an international tribunal. The international legal proceedings against Israel are part of an ongoing campaign led by the Palestinian Authority to turn the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into a global one. In the interim measures before the ICJ, Israel managed to get through the hearing. However, the international legal system is deeply focused on Israel and Israel faces a broad array of challenges ahead. International law, for better or worse, will continue to accompany the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel would do well to continue treading with great care to adhere to it. The writer is a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute and a member of the Faculty of Law at Ono Academic College.
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
13
RABBI NI C
T H O U G H T An emotional, overwhelming experience RABBI GABI KALTMANN I recently returned from a week-long trip to Israel. While I know most people may think it’s crazy to venture into a warzone, I did so in my capacity as a rabbi to bear witness, 100 days on from the largest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. One of the most profound and harrowing aspects of my journey was meeting with survivors of the October 7 terror attacks, including amputees who remain in hospital. I visited the sites of the Nova Festival massacre and the Kibbutz Beeri brutal assault. Seeing the destruction wrought upon innocent young Israelis at a party and families in their homes in a Kibbutz was a harrowing and traumatic experience. These sites are receiving visitors from around the world. Despite the Israeli guides personal grief, their determination to tell the story illustrates the resilience and strength exhibited by those affected, as they face the aftermath of these tragic events. While calls for a ceasefire in Australia grow louder and people have largely forgotten the attacks that caused this war, in Israel, the carnage is still at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
One area of focus that now seems to be overlooked globally is how urgent and fundamental the safe return of the Israeli hostages is to all Israelis. From the moment you arrive at Ben Gurion airport, the hostages’ faces are everywhere. They are plastered on posters hanging from balconies, on major billboards at intersections and at the bus stops. After spending the week in Israel, I got so used to seeing the hostages’ faces that these people became very real to me. I felt like I knew them and their plight. “There will be no end to the war until they are all returned”, I heard over and over again. It’s been more than 100 days since they were kidnapped and the more than 100 hostages remain an open sore in Israeli society. I was privy to the horrors of war. People in Israel and Gaza are suffering the consequences. I am personally, emotionally overwhelmed by what I saw and heard. I am also inspired by the courage and resilience I have been privileged to witness. It will take time for me to process all that I have learnt. My prayers for peace are even more heartfelt.
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann at the Nova Festival massacre site
Fighting antisemitism in progressive circle RABBI YAAKOV GLASMAN AM In the wake of the October 7 attack and the resurgence of antisemitism that followed, it is imperative to address and combat this form of bigotry, particularly in so-called "progressive" circles, including universities. Despite being bastions of education and enlightenment, tertiary institutions have become breeding grounds for insidious ideologies. Harvard University, renowned for its academic excellence, serves as a stark reminder that even institutions revered for their intellect and inclusivity are not immune to prejudice. It is a stain on the legacy of higher education when Jewish students and faculty members are subjected to discrimination based on their faith or ethnicity. One individual at the forefront of combating antisemitism is Zach Schaffer, a US educator who recently visited Melbourne under the auspices of the Australian Jewish Funders. During one of his talks, Schaffer shed light on the nature of antisemitism, especially within progressive circles, and equipped the audience with tools on how to best confront it. His insights underscored the urgent need for collective action to eradicate this hatred from our communities. Antisemitism, often masked as criticism of Israeli policies or disguised as political activism, manifests itself through stereotypes, conspiracy theories and discriminatory practices. It is not merely a
Jewish issue; it is an affront to the values of equality, justice and human dignity that progressives claim to champion. Progressivism, at its core, advocates for the rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of their background. Yet, when antisemitism festers within progressive circles, it betrays the very essence of this movement. To combat antisemitism effectively, progressives must confront it head-on. This requires introspection, education and intellectual honesty. It means unequivocally denouncing antisemitic rhetoric and holding perpetrators accountable, just as would occur were any other minority targeted. Universities, as centres of learning and enlightenment, must lead by example. They must foster environments that celebrate diversity, promote understanding and reject all forms of bigotry. That entails implementing robust anti-discrimination policies and seriously considering integrating Holocaust education into curricula. Moreover, combating antisemitism requires collaboration across communities and sectors. It demands genuine efforts to bridge divides, cultivate empathy and build alliances based on shared values of tolerance and respect. Confronting the spectre of antisemitism is not easy, but it is an absolutely necessity. We must stand in solidarity with Israel, affirming our commitment to justice, equality and human rights for all. In the face of hatred and bigotry, our collective resolve must be unwavering. The time for action is now.
From left: Australian Jewish Funders’ Director of Community and Innovation Rebecca Adler, US educator Zach Schaffer and Rabbi Yaakov Glasman AM
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
RA BBINIC
THOUGHT
A new vision for Gaza
RABBI DR BENJI LEVY A Gaza that places a premium on life, literacy, respect, and opportunity will surely outlive the new buildings that will soon dot the landscape. The eyes of the world remain fixated on Gaza. But true vision requires looking beyond the here and now and ensuring that the horror of the present day won’t be repeated. Assuming Israel succeeds in freeing its innocent hostages and neutralising Hamas terrorists, what then? The immediate concern will undoubtedly be repairing the physical and material devastation. New homes, roads and infrastructure will be among the first items on the post-war agenda. Yet, the building blocks of Gaza’s collective future will depend not just on the bricks and mortar of communal buildings, but also on the social fabric of a viable future. While Gaza’s material welfare has been devastated in a matter of weeks, much of its moral and ethical wellbeing was destroyed by Hamas decades ago. In his seminal work, Imagined Communities, political scientist Benedict Anderson dissected how nations develop a sense of identity. He argues that nations are a cultural construct that can be shaped. In the case of Gaza, hatred, violence and terror have been normalised, culminating in over 3,000 terrorists crossing the border on October 7 to wreak death and havoc and to be gleefully greeted by many more on their return, as they paraded victims through the streets. At the heart of the identity that precipitated this chaos sits a warped ideology fueling indoctrination. An estimated 100,000 children underwent military training and were taught to lionise armed “resistance” in summer camps across Gaza a few months ago. This supplements everyday schooling, which has been documented to contain hatred toward Jews and Israel, incitement to violence and the glorification of martyrdom. And all of this is exacerbated by leaders of religious institutions, Hamascontrolled media and social media propaganda, fueling a culture of death and destruction. October 7 did not happen in a vacuum. The seeds of
Quiz answers 1. Ira Levin 2. Hava Nagila 3. Springs of water and palm trees 4. Jonah 5. A grenade in an attempted political assassination. No one was killed but a number of people were injured including Ben Gurion and Golda Meir 6. c) Geneva 7. Lior Suchard 8. The Vilna Gaon 9. a) China b) India c) Myanmar (formerly Burma) 10. Gate
Renana and Rabbi Dr Benji Levy getting a strategic perspective on the war while on a UIA mission
terror were carefully sown by Hamas in classrooms and summer camps, from pulpits and TV screens. Tellingly, media reports are increasingly detailing how Gaza’s schools are being harnessed by Hamas to launch attacks and store weapons. Out with the old, but in with what? So, if the stated aim of rooting out Hamas is achieved, what will fill this void? A Gaza that places a premium on life, literacy, respect and opportunity will surely outlive the new buildings that will soon dot the landscape. According to Anderson’s thesis, a new sense of identity can be constructed in place of Hamas’s ethos of hate. And so, just as Hamas hijacked education to poison young minds, education can fuel a new and brighter future. While not a simple transformation, there are historical precedents. Japan’s meteoric post-World War II transformation into an economic powerhouse is something of a 20th-century miracle. It is no coincidence that just one month after Japan’s surrender in 1945, the American administration introduced new education policy guidelines that focused heavily on fostering a sense of
cooperation, open-mindedness and a love of peace. Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian curriculum has steadily developed over the past few years, rooting out antisemitism from its textbooks and introducing a greater sense of gender equality. These reforms go hand-in-hand with the country’s ‘Vision 2030’ to steadily grow its economic and geopolitical curriculum. Clearly, no single curriculum is perfect, but these case studies offer hope. Instructively, before a single brick has been laid, the first step for any architect is to draw a plan of the finished product. So, too, must Gaza’s education be planned. When I served as the Dean of a school in Australia, we reconstructed the educational offering by defining the ideal graduate. Once we were clear about what an ideal graduate looked like, we worked backwards, developing each detail of the curriculum, each lesson plan and a host of enrichment activities accordingly. In the context of Gaza, a new educational reality will mean ensuring that graduates become productive members of society. It will mean that graduates are committed to building a
Gaza that is prosperous and peaceful. It will mean graduates who are proud Palestinians and, at the same time, active global citizens. These cannot be treated as vague concepts. They must infuse each facet of a reimagined education system that empowers the next generation. Such a system will require just as much time investment and careful planning as the rebuilt Gazan landscape, which the international community is already contemplating. Defining how this looks will require moderate voices in partnership with fine educators, experts and those who truly understand how to connect with students. Failure to prioritise education at the heart of Gaza’s post-war plan will mean that new buildings, new neighborhoods and new schools will house hate once more. In other words, there will be no real future at all.
11. Ladino 12. John Grisham 13. T he serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) 14. The Israel Museum (founded in 1965, the Museum houses encyclopaedic collections, including works dating from prehistory to the present day in its Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Jewish Art + Life wings. It features the most extensive holdings of biblical and Holy Land archaeology in the world.) 15. Dustin Hoffman 16. Anim Zemirot after the opening two words of the song 17. The letters bet, chaf, lamed and mem 18. Rabbi Joseph Karo
19. N etanya (The British Army executed the three Irgun fighters after which the Irgun hanged the two sergeants.) 20. It was Jeremiah’s eyewitness account of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BCE 21. T he Book of Ruth. It is read because it highlights the time of the wheat harvest which is one of the reasons to celebrate this festival. Secondly, Ruth converted to Judaism and in so doing accepted the Torah, which was given to the Jewish people on this date in the Jewish calendar Thirdly, Ruth was the great grandmother of King David who according to tradition was born and also died on Shavuot
22. R aoul Wallenberg 23. Fred Astaire 24. Jerusalem 25. Woody Allen
Rabbi Dr Benji Levy is the co-founder of Israel Impact Partners, Keshev and Tanna AI. Previously he was the CEO of Mosaic United and the Dean of Moriah College. Learn more @Rabbi Benji or rabbibenji.com
Spelling bee answers Jewish Answer: USHPIZIN. Here is a list of some common words (yes, we know there are more words in the dictionary that can work, but these words are the most common) – PUSHPINS, PUSHPIN, PUSHUPS, PINUPS, PUNISH, PUSHUP, UNPINS, UNZIPS, PINUP, SHIPS, SPINS, SNIPS, SUNUP, UNHIP, UNPIN and UNZIP . Questions/comments: email Yoni at koshercrosswords@gmail.com
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the melbourne jewish report | feb 2024
MOV IE
REVIEW
Hard to sit through
THE ZONE OF INTEREST (M) ALEX FIRST A vitally important film, The Zone of Interest is a deeply distressing watch, at the root of which is pure evil … and denial. It focuses on the commandant of Auschwitz and his family living in the lap of luxury while victims in the concentration camp next door are ruthlessly murdered en masse. Rudolf Hoss (Christian Friedel) is applauded for the role he has played at Auschwitz – on the outskirts of Oswiecim in Poland – for four years. He and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Huller) and their five children, including a baby, have everything they could wish for. They have a large home, a sprawling garden, including a greenhouse and a gazebo. They have servants aplenty. As Jews are gassed to death, they have access to all the clothing and valuables they could possibly want. As if without a care in the world, they swim in the river and enjoy the convivial country life. A keen horseman, Hoss loves his steed deeply and takes every opportunity to ride. Meanwhile, plumes of dark smoke are continually seen rising into the sky from the chimneys at Auschwitz. The top brass sees a bright future for the ruthless and practical Hoss. Against his wishes, he is transferred and elevated to deputy inspector, while his wife and children stay behind.
THE AT RE
REVIEW
In so doing, Hoss will oversee other concentration camps to obtain greater efficiencies. He will need to bring the latter to the fore because Hitler has just agreed to deport 700,000 Jews from Hungary. Of course, he is up for the challenge. Written and masterfully directed by Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest is based on a novel by Martin Amis. The film starts and ends in darkness against a troubling music bed, which serves to illuminate the horrors. Throughout the movie we hear barbaric sounds emanating from Auschwitz, which is but a few hundred metres from the Hoss residence. Hoss is an unbending authoritarian, while his wife treats the help with indifference, at best. She recognises
what a perfect life she has and all she is concerned about is when her husband will find the time to take her on another spa holiday to Italy. She even let out girlish giggles. The performances of Christian Friedel and Sandra Huller are chilling. Their children appear to buy in to the idyllic picture, ignoring – as far as possible – the dastardly deeds being perpetrated within metres of their home. It is impossible to see past the atrocities depicted in The Zone of Interest, but these are handled in a way I have not seen before. Much of the film unfolds through the power of suggestion. The brutality is depicted through the carefree life of Hedwig and the children, in sharp contrast to the insidious nature
Rated M, it scores a 9 out of 10.
A spin cycle of laughs
GROUNDHOG DAY: THE MUSICAL ALEX FIRST Imagine living your life in an endless time loop and going crazy in the process. In essence, that is what Groundhog Day: The Musical is all about. It is based on the 1993 hit movie starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, directed by Harold Ramis. Phil Connors is an egotistical Pittsburgh TV weather presenter. He is dreading his regular trip to smalltown America, specifically to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where they celebrate Groundhog Day on February 2nd. That is when a groundhog (large squirrel) named Phil predicts whether they will face six more weeks of Winter or are rejuvenated with an early Spring. The townsfolk, led by the Mayor, celebrate the day with a parade and slap up dinner. But a deeply cynical Connors – who is put up the night before in a quaint bed and breakfast – wants to get in and out of the place as quickly as possible. Early on February 2nd, he is greeted by regular cameraman Larry and new producer Rita Hanson. Treating both offhandedly, he completes his segment and is intent on skedaddling. The problem is that against his expectations and forecast, there is no movement in or out of Punxsutawney, because the place is snowed in. To make matters worse, when he awakens the next morning and the morning after and the morning after that (and so on), it is still February 2nd. Everything – and I mean everything (word for word) – is on repeat.
of the Nazi war machine. The latter only needs to be shown in a handful of scenes to become entrenched in one’s psyche. And the final scenes go some way to highlighting the magnitude of what went down at Auschwitz and at other concentration camps during WWII. Let us never forget that six million Jewish lives were lost. The Zone of Interest is traumatising, but it needs to be seen. Incidentally, the title is drawn from the term used by the Nazis to describe the 40 square kilometre area surrounding Auschwitz concentration camp. It speaks to the determined and disquieting sense of obfuscation that permeates the film.
Elise McCann and Andy Karl delight and entertain in Groundhog Day: The Musical (photo by Jeff Busby) Connors quickly slides into a dark place before he comes to realise that there is a way to make the best of a bad situation. Developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, with book by Danny Rubin and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, Groundhog Day: The Musical is a rolled gold winner. Minchin (Matilda: The Musical) is a genius. I am in awe of his ability to keep producing such fine material. His lyrics help propel the narrative. The musical numbers are ear pleasing and melodic. The talent is superb. The staging is magnificent. The dancing, including a tap routine, is skillfully choreographed. And, there
is surprising magic at play. Andy Karl, who played Phil Connors on Broadway and at London’s Old Vic, which won him an Olivier Award, offers up a musical theatre masterclass. He has a superb range and generates emotional resonance. He transitions from arrogant, mean, manipulative and dastardly to caring and sensitive in the space of two and a half hours, including interval. Well aware of Connors’ bad boy reputation, Elise McCann as Rita Hanson brings sensitivity and emotional intelligence to bear. She also soars vocally.
Ashleigh Rubenach leans into her role as the pretty, goodtime girl Nancy Taylor. Her solo at the start of Act II is both sad and endearing. Tim Wright captures the essence of Connors’ nerdish, now insurance salesman former classmate Ned Ryerson, who Connors couldn’t stand back in the day. The awkwardness is evident as Ryerson continually bumps into Connors in Punxsutawney on February 2nd. Wright comes into his own with a moving number in the second act. Ably supported by a strong ensemble, Groundhog Day: The Musical is a delightful journey to take. One of my favourite scenes sees a drowning Connors downing shots with a couple of local drunk hicks – Gus (Conor Neylon) and Ralph (Connor Sweeney). That happens as Connors is spiraling. While the trio is simply hilarious at the bar, the highly creative staging of what follows immediately thereafter is an undoubted highlight of the show. I should quickly add that that is one of many highlights, including the disappearance and reappearance of Connors several times in succession after interval. What greets you as you enter the elegant Princess Theatre is an imposing set, consisting of more than 30 television screens of various sizes. Onto them are plastered images of Phil Connors presenting the weather. Make no mistake, he is the star of this show and what an unforgettable, thoroughly engaging and totally entertaining night of theatre Groundhog Day: The Musical is. The laughs come thick and fast, and the sentiment shines through. It is slick, fanciful and fun, and is playing at Princess Theatre until 7th April, 2024.
OWN
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