Michelle Rojas-Tal wows audiences across Melbourne

Over the last week Michelle Rojas-Tal spoke to about 1,500 people across the Melbourne community and thousands more via mainstream and Jewish media at 20 different forums.

The Diaspora Education Director for Israel education organization StandWithUs addressed a wide range of issues on Israel including current affairs, the media preoccupation with Israel, the BDS (Boycott Divestment and Sanctions) movement against Israeli goods, the recent Flotilla to Gaza, the 2009 Operation Cast Lead against Hamas and numerous other topics thrown her way.

Outspoken and well-spoken: Michelle Rojas-Tal in Melbourne next week

Not many 25 year olds can communicate like Michelle Rojas-Tal. When Rojas-Tal speaks about Israel, she is clear, concise, passionate and dynamic. What she says makes perfect sense and you immediately want to do something about the numerous examples of anti-Israel rhetoric and propaganda she describes. 

Israel and the Media attracts a packed house

Three of Israel’s foremost advocacy experts ensured the Beth Weizmann auditorium was filled to capacity last night for a panel discussion on Israel and the Media.

Moderator and Australian Jewish News national editor Zeddy Lawrence introduced guest speakers Ron Ben-Ishai, Michelle Rojas-Tal and Scott Copeland describing “all three as outstanding in their field”.

The Analyst, the Activist and the Educator:
A Trio of Perspectives on Israel and the Media

Three of Israel’s foremost advocacy experts will be guest speakers at a panel hosted by the Zionist Council of Victoria and Zionist Federation of Australia on Sunday August 15.

Ron Ben Yishai, Michelle Rojas-Tal and Scott Copeland will discuss issues and strategies regarding Israel’s depiction in the media, clearly one of the greatest ongoing challenges to pro-Israel activity.

Australian Aliyah expected to surpass record numbers in 2010

The Zionist Council of Victoria will farewell a record number of Olim at its Executive meeting on Tuesday evening July 13.

Over 30 Australian Olim ranging in ages from babies to baby boomers will be presented with Mezzuzot for their new homes in Israel by the ZCV, with about 100 family and friends of the Olim watching on.

Gilad Shalit – Four Years in Captivity is Four Years too long

On June 25 2006 Israel soldier Gilad Shalit (then aged 19) was kidnapped at the Kerem Shalom crossing on Israeli territory by Hamas terrorists to Gaza, where he has been held captive ever since.

The International Committee of the Red Cross and various other humanitarian organizations have repeatedly been denied access to Gilad Shalit by Hamas. Gilad is being held captive against his will and in contravention to International Humanitarian Law.

Caulfield Park Community Branch, Bendigo Bank supports the Jewish community

Zionist Council of Victoria Executive Director Ginette Searle, Treasurer Robert Lissauer and Advertising Executive Sandra Sochen together with heads of several other Jewish communal organisations recently attended the Bendigo Bank, Caulfield Park Community Branch AGM where they were presented with generous contributions to support important ongoing events and activities. 

Zionist Council of Victoria statement regarding feature article in the Uniting Church’s “Crosslight”publication

“The Jewish community has had formal dialogue with the Uniting Church over many years and this is a particularly disappointing result.

The feature in “Crosslight” reeks of inaccuracy, prejudice and malicious distortion – summed up by the bizarre and historically inaccurate statement that Jesus was a Palestinian! Jesus was a Jew of Judea, at the time of Roman occupation.

2009 ZCV Annual Assembly brings together the past, present and future of Melbourne’s Zionist community

Last night guests, delegates from 51 affiliated organisations and interested observers of the Zionist Council of Victoria gathered for the 71st Annual Assembly to hear keynote speaker the Hon. Wayne Swan, Federal Treasurer and honour community icon Mr Saul Same with the prestigious Jerusalem Prize.

ZCV President Dr Danny Lamm, in his seventh year at the helm of the state roof body said “We have seen an ongoing, bi-partisan commitment from the most senior of Australian and Israeli politicians to our Zionist community. From Kevin Rudd in 2002; Tony Abbott in 2003; Alexander Downer in 2004; to Knesset Speaker Ruvi Rivlin in 2005; Dr Brendan Nelson in 2007; Robert McClelland last year and Wayne Swan last night, we are extremely proud of these strong and ever-developing relationships.”

“This history of support is indicative of the high regard in which the Zionist Council of Victoria is held in circles much wider than the Jewish community” Dr Lamm noted.

ZCV’s Annual Assembly to feature keynote speaker The Hon Wayne Swan MP, Federal Treasurer

The 71st Annual Assembly of the Zionist Council of Victoria will take place on Wednesday November 4, 2009 with the Hon. Wayne Swan MP as keynote speaker.

Israeli Ambassador Yuval Rotem will be in attendance and address guests and delegates, expected to number about 350 people, including representatives from affiliated organisations, and leadership of the Victorian Jewish community.

The Goldstone Report and the United Nations Human Rights Council: anti-Israel politicization with far-reaching ramifications

Statement from Sharene Hambur, Acting President, Zionist Council of Victoria

“The Goldstone Report was flawed from its inception and its adoption by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) only serves to highlight the bias of this organisation which has been evident in so many of its actions” said Sharene Hambur acting President of the Zionist Council of Victoria.

On Friday, the UNHRC endorsed the Goldstone Report by a vote of 25-6. The United States, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Ukraine opposed the resolution, while Britain and France declined to vote. Russia, China, Bangladesh, Cuba, Ghana, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal and Zambia were among those that voted in favour of the resolution.

Sign of life from Gilad a hopeful step towards his release

The Zionist Council of Victoria has viewed with hope the video tape of Gilad Shalit, released by his Hamas terrorist kidnappers in exchange for the release of 20 Palestinian prisoners over the weekend.

“Gilad was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from his military post inside Israel to the Gaza Strip 1,200 days ago; since June 25, 2006 his family has lived in limbo, not knowing his fate or the state of his physical or mental wellbeing. The video tape is a sign of life; Gilad’s parents, his family and friends, Israelis and Jewish communities all over the world have been waiting for this sign and we know now that Gilad is alive” ZCV President Dr Danny Lamm said today.

Letter to 60 Minutes from ZCV President, Dr Danny Lamm

Dear Sir/ Madam,

The Zionist Council of Victoria is the roof body of 51 local Jewish organisations in this state which value Israel as central to Jewish life.

I write in relation to the segment entitled “Hate Thy Neighbour” which was broadcast on 60 Minutes on Sunday 20 September, 2009. Many members of our community have expressed concern, frustration and anger at the segment; its skewed portrayal of Israelis and biased exposition of the complex issues surrounding the Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria (known as the West Bank).

Thinking Israel in 2010?
Join the Zionist Council of Victoria on our "Israel Experience" Tour

After the success of its tour to Israel for 60th Independence Day celebrations, the ZCV will be once again partnering with Melbourne-based travel agents FBI Travel to offer community members the chance to travel the length and breadth of Israel in 2010.

The 2010 Israel Experience Tour will take place from May 27 to June 6, kicking off with the special sights and sounds of Jerusalem and ending in the cultural centre Tel Aviv.

Auditions for Melbourne’s largest community event Yom Ha’atzmaut extended

Jewish musical talent was in abundance earlier this month when the Zionist Council of Victoria held auditions for solo singers and ensembles for the 2010 Yom Ha’atzmaut community concert on Monday April 19, 2010 at the Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall. So much so that concert producer Ginette Searle and musical director Adam Starr have decided to extend the chance to audition until the end of September.

ZCV welcomes Jewish Population Survey report

Statement from Dr Danny Lamm

Professor Andrew Markus and the team responsible for the initiation and implementation of the Jewish Population Survey are to be congratulated and thanked. Their work will provide the empirical information we have long been lacking in our community to enable Jewish communal organisations to plan for the future. It gives us a comprehensive picture of not only the composition of our community, but their affiliations and importantly, their attitudes.

Sara Kaltmann winner of 2009 Victorian Bible Quiz

Beth Rivkah Ladies’ College’s Sara Kaltmann, 13, yesterday won the Victorian state finals of the 2009 Youth Bible Quiz in front of a crowd of more than 70 people at Beth Weizmann Community Centre.

The Zionist Council of Victoria presents the state finals of the quiz annually, where dedicated and talented students pitch their detailed knowledge of tanach in a competition which requires instant recall, comprehensive knowledge and nerves of steel. A full written test conducted earlier in the day is followed by the public “oral” quiz, where students provide their answers in a “game show” format, in front of the audience.

Peter Costello launches “Building a Nation” – Anthology of Australia-Israel stories

It was standing room only for the launch of the “Building a Nation” anthology – a collection of our community’s personal contributions to Israel on Sunday August 2nd at 11am, at the Beth Weizmann Community Centre. The book, published by Makor Library together with the Zionist Council of Victoria, was officially launched by the Hon Peter Costello, MP.

Mr Peter Costello MP to launch anthology of Australian community members’ contributions to Israel

The Makor Jewish Community Library and the Zionist Council of Victoria will launch a very special anthology authored by members of our community who have contributed to Israel. The 2 volume set, entitled “Building A Nation” will be launched on Sunday August 2nd at 11am, at the Beth Weizmann Community Centre.

Keynote speaker at the launch will be former Federal Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello MP, a long-time supporter of Israel and close friend of the Jewish community. Mr Costello has just returned from a visit to Israel where he was part of the Australian delegation in the Australia Israel Leadership Forum.

Calling all Melbourne Jewish talent - auditions for the 2101 Yom Ha’atzmaut Concert are just around the corner!

Last year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut “Israeliana” Community Concert saw the largest ever cast assembled to celebrate Israel’s 61st birthday and next year’s Concert on Monday April 19, 2010, once again at the Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall, promises to be as impressive an event.

Sold-out audience at community solidarity evening marking Gilad Shalit’s 3rd year in Hamas captivity

June 25th marked 3 years exactly since Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from Israel’s sovereign territory while serving his compulsory IDF service.

On Monday evening June 29, the community event to mark this sad anniversary was completely sold-out. The packed audience at the Classic Cinema in Elsternwick viewed Nomi Schori Ben-Natan’s poignant documentary about the plight of Gilad Shalit and his family. 

Reaction to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policy speech

Benjamin Netanyahu's statement, which is welcomed by the Zionist Council of Victoria is both fair and balanced. Prime Minister Netanyahu clearly wants a two state solution that really works to bring peace and stability. He reiterated the deep-rooted cultural and historical and passionate commitment to peace of the Israeli people and himself personally.

Zionist Council of Victoria awarded government multifaith / interfaith grant for its educational Public Speaker Service

The Zionist Council of Victoria is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant for its Public Speakers Service (PSS) by Minister James Merlino, Minister of Parliament Assisting the Victorian Premier, John Brumby, on Multicultural Affairs.

The Minister presented a cheque for $5000 to Zionist Council of Victoria President Dr Danny Lamm this morning at a festive morning tea at the Beth Weizmann Community Centre, which also serves as the site for thousands of high school students who attend the Speakers Service annually.

Zionist Council of Victoria to host scholar-in-residence from leading Israel advocacy group StandWithUs

Michelle Rojas from the Israel Advocacy organisation StandWithUs (www.standwithus.com; www.standwithus.co.il) will be a guest of the Zionist Council of Victoria from May 28 to June 4.

Michelle, 24 is originally from the US and has a compelling personal story about the September 11, 2001 terror attacks which relate directly to how she became involved in the world of Israel Advocacy. She now lives in Israel and manages Diaspora Education for the organisation StandWithUs touring the world speaking to groups, primarily students.

Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, Rabbi Lau inspires our community at Yom Yerushalayim – Tel Aviv centenary celebration

The Melbourne Jewish community was treated to one of Israel’s (and arguably the Jewish world’s) top orators when Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau was keynote speaker at our community’s combined celebrations for Yom Yerushalayim and the centenary of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, addressing more than 550 people on Thursday evening May 21 at St Kilda’s National Theatre.

Saluting Tel Aviv on its 100th anniversary, ZCV President Dr Danny Lamm said, “From the sand dunes of the Mediterranean has grown a world class city, a hub of business and culture. I ask you to picture in your mind’s eye, walking down the “tayelet” (boardwalk) of the Tel Aviv beach, arriving in the old city of Yafo and scouring the galleries, shopping in Shenkin, the café society, the pumping nightlife, enjoying the cool ambience of the Nahalat Binyamin markets, and the imposing Azrieli towers – exemplifying Tel Aviv’s commercial success.”

So why celebrate?

First published in the Australian Jewish News

A lot can change in just one year.

Israel’s 60th independence day celebrations in 2008 were joyous and whole hearted. We in Victoria, like communities from Brussels to Buenos Aires, from Peru to Paris, from Johannesburg to Jerusalem, presented concerts and activities which captured the attention and the imagination of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

The year that followed has already presented many challenges, not only to Israel, but to those of us who identify with Israel’s values, with the very notion of the Jewish state.

Tel Aviv-Yafo celebrates 100 years 1909-2009

As the city of Tel Aviv-Yafo prepares to mark its 100th anniversary in early April 2009, a wide array of events are being planned for the centennial celebrations, including outdoor festivals, art shows, sporting events, historic exhibitions and numerous community projects, among others. Celebrations will kick-off in early April, marking the date of the city’s founding 100 years ago, and continue through 2009.

Experience the buzz of Tel Aviv 100 close up with the Zionist Council of Victoria

With the success of the Zionist Council of Victoria’s first ever tour to Israel in 2008 for Israel’s 60th celebrations the ZCV is delighted to announce that this year’s “Tel Aviv 100” tour will be taking place from 11 to 21 June, 2009.

The Zionist Council of Victoria urges support for the plight of Gilad Shalit  and his family as Gilad’s 1,000th day in Hamas captivity approaches

The Zionist Council of Victoria urges community members to remember the plight of Gilad Shalit as they sit at their Friday night meal with family and friends, and as they spend their upcoming weekend out and about. Saturday March 21 will mark the 1,000th day that Gilad Shalit has been held captive by Hamas terrorists, who have denied him even meeting with the International Red Cross since he was kidnapped into Gaza on June 25, 2006.

Invitation to bereaved families for involvement in the Yom Hazikaron Communal Commemoration for Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror

Melbourne’s annual Yom Hazikaron Communal Commemoration is the time our community collectively grieves and honours Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror and can offer some solace to bereaved families and friends of the fallen.

“Gilad Shalit – 2 years in captivity”: A mother’s heart wrenching pain

On Thursday morning February 19, the Australian Friends of The Hebrew University (Vic Div), Hagshama, JNF, WIZO and the ZCV hosted a special screening of the 50 minute documentary “Gilad Shalit – 2 years in captivity”.

This extremely poignant film featured Gilad’s mother, Aviva Shalit in a rare public appearance since her son’s kidnapping on June 25, 2006.

Beginning on the day of the kidnapping it followed a sequence of events ensuing from the kidnapping and the Shalit family’s efforts to help free Gilad, all the while showing a window into Gilad and his family; a regular Israeli family who have known more than their share of grief as a result of war.

150 people participate in Israel advocacy “tough questions” workshop

The Zionist Council of Victoria continued its Israel Advocacy activities on Wednesday evening with 150 people attending a workshop entitled “Answering the tough questions about Israel’s Operation Cast Lead”.

Melbourne’s Jewish community shows unwavering solidarity with Israel

Melbourne’s Jewish community came together in 2 demonstrations of support for Israel and the residents of southern Israel on Tuesday evening, January 20, proudly supported by the Zionist Council of Victoria.

A capacity crowd of more than 500 at Glen Eira Town Hall heard impassioned addresses from Israel’s Ambassador to Australia Yuval Rotem, Michael Danby MP and Dr Danny Lamm, President of the Zionist Council of Victoria.

Age's apology for antisemitic article does not redress the harm it caused

The Age has today apologised for publishing a blatantly antisemitic article in last Saturday’s edition. This followed a call for it to do so by John Searle, president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), and Dr Danny Lamm, president of the Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV).

Victorian Jewish community condemns Age's antisemitic article

John Searle, president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), and Dr Danny Lamm, president of the Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV), today jointly called on Melbourne’s The Age to apologise for publishing a blatantly antisemitic article in the Saturday Age yesterday.

Searle and Lamm stated:

“Sometimes criticism of Israeli foreign policy becomes so irrational and so hate-filled that it spills over into antisemitism. Yesterday Saturday’s Age (17/01) published such a piece wherein its columnist Michael Backman encapsulated centuries of hate speech against Jews in a few hundred words.

Melbourne’s Jewish community to hold solidarity event for Israel

Melbourne’s Jewish community will come together in another peaceful show of support for Israel and the residents of southern Israel at Glen Eira Town Hall on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2009. 

The solidarity event will feature 3 main speakers: Mr Yuval Rotem, Israel’s Ambassador to Australia; Mr Michael Danby MP and Dr Danny Lamm, President of the Zionist Council of Victoria. The official proceedings will begin at 7.45pm.

Hamas Missiles = War

First published on the ABC Unleashed website

Images and sound bytes from southern Israel and Gaza, in what is now the second week of Israel's military confrontation with the terrorist regime Hamas, prove well beyond doubt that Hamas' short term agenda is war. War, with all its horrific consequences. War, causing the deaths of many innocent people.

Hamas chooses war over truce

“The Zionist Council of Victoria expresses its full support for Israel’s military action to defend the lives of Israeli citizens in southern Israel. This action has been made necessary by the continued indiscriminate bombardment of Israeli population centres over the past seven years, truce notwithstanding” said Dr Danny Lamm, President of the Council.

Zionist Council congratulates Israeli Centre President on receiving Victorian Multicultural Award

The Zionist Council of Victoria has congratulated Menachem Khoen, President of the HaMerkaz Ha’Israeli (Israeli Centre) on receiving a Meritorious Service to the Community award for his outstanding voluntary contribution to the Jewish and Israeli community of Victoria at Government House yesterday.

The award recognises the outstanding achievements of an individual who has had a minimum of 10 years voluntary service at a governance level.

Myths and Facts about Israel’s anti-terrorist barrier:
Fences don’t kill, suicide bombers and terrorists do

Israel’s anti-terrorist barrier will be the subject of a demonstration by Australians for Palestine today in Melbourne’s city centre. What should be a discussion about how to change a reality where a security barrier is an essential act of self-defence, has in recent times, been twisted and distorted into claims of apartheid and racism. These claims have no factual basis and deflect from the real issue –sustained Palestinian terror and violence against Israel as a means to achieve political gain. It is time to clarify the realities of the fence that Israel had to build in order to protect her citizens from unrelenting terror.

Questions for the next 70 years of Zionism in Victoria

First published in the Australian Jewish News

On October 28, the State Zionist Council of Victoria will celebrate its 70th Annual Assembly, a gathering of 51 affiliate organisations and more than 250 delegates spanning the spectrum of religious, political, ideological and cultural expression of Zionist thought in this state.

A 70-year strong connection between the Victorian Jewish community and Israel

On October 28, the State Zionist Council of Victoria will celebrate its 70th anniversary and the 70th Annual Assembly, a gathering of 51 affiliate organisations and more than 250 delegates. While we as Zionists and the world have changed with time and technology, the core connection between Victorian Jews and the State of Israel has remained rich with activism and support.

Bring Iranian leader Ahmadinejad to trial at the International Court of Justice

The State Zionist Council of Victoria has unequivocally condemned an anti-Israel and anti-Semitic tirade by Iranian President Ahmadinejad before UN member states at the General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

Almost sermonizing in the name of Islam, Ahmadinejad exploited the opportunity, not his first on the UN podium, to denounce and demonize Israel, the US and the West.

Why is the Islamic communal leadership deflecting the facts regarding terrorism?

The statement by Ikebal Patel in today’s Age (Wounded soldier flown to Europe, 5 September 2008) with regards to Australia’s wounded soldiers in Afghanistan is a pathetic and devious attempt to deflect the facts regarding international terror and violent Islamism.

Broadcast of terrorist Hezbollah's Al-Manar into Australia is not about freedom of speech and must be stopped

The reports that Hezbollah’s al-Manar television station is once again broadcasting into Australia, this time via Indonesian satellite company Indosat, is of critical concern to Melbourne’s Jewish community and should be to all Australians, said Dr Danny Lamm, President of the State Zionist Council of Victoria.

“The open door for al-Manar into Australia so that it may broadcast Hezbollah’s agenda of incitement and hatred is unacceptable to peaceful Australians. The Australian government has proscribed Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation. Whilst freedom of speech is a recognised value in our society, we must also work hard to safeguard this freedom, and ensure that it is neither exploited nor manipulated by supporters of terror and violence” Dr Lamm said.

Expert Israel Advocacy trainer David Olesker to visit Melbourne

A leader in the challenging world of hasbara and stating Israel’s case, David Olesker, will be in Melbourne as a guest of the State Zionist Council of Victoria on September 1.

David Olesker is the Director of JCCAT, the Jerusalem Centre for Communications and Advocacy Training, an independent organization providing high quality training in communications and Israel advocacy skills.
It has been said that he brings an engaging mix of humour and activism to his presentations which are not only immensely useful, but entertaining. “Even the most jaded of urbanites will find him charming and well-informed” noted a community leader who hosted him in the United States.

New World Zionist Organisation position for SZCV President, Dr Danny Lamm

Dr. Danny Lamm was elected to the World Zionist Organisation Executive at its meeting in Jerusalem in June.

Dr. Lamm currently holds several positions within the World Zionist Organisation. He has been a member of the organisation’s Va’ad Hapoel since 1997, and has served as a committee member on the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency since September 2006.

Jerusalem Medical Ethicist to address Melbourne community on visit to Australia

With medical breakthroughs in fields such as IVF, organ transplants and the like occurring at an unprecedented pace, the challenge to medical ethicists has never been greater.

Rabbi Professor Avraham Steinberg, Medical Ethicist and Paediatric Neurologist at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Centre blends the worlds of ancient law and modern science. 

2008 Victorian Youth Bible Quiz winner is Noa Bloch, continuing a family tradition of quiz achievement

Noa Bloch, 14, a student at Beth Rivkah Ladies’ College, yesterday won the Victorian state finals of the 2008 Youth Bible Quiz in front of a crowd of more than 150 people at Beth Weizmann Community Centre.
The nail-biting finish saw runner-up Doovie Kaltmann from Leibler Yavneh College complete the quiz just 1 point behind Noa.

Noa, overwhelmed and excited, was back at school today and her mother, Naomi Bloch said “We are thrilled about Noa’s win and very proud of her.”

Israeli expert on Europe to speak in Melbourne

Israel’s future relations with the European Union will be the key topic under discussion when a leading Israeli political economist gives a breakfast briefing in Melbourne this week.

Professor Alfred Tovias, Director of the Leonard Davis Institute for International Relations at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, will speak at the Beth Weizmann Community Centre on Thursday, August 7.

Mourning Israel's fallen soldiers,
Ehud (Udi) Goldwasser and Eldad Regev zichronam livracha

Statement from Dr Danny Lamm, President SZCV

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the State Zionist Council of Victoria issues the following statement and offers our deepest condolences to the families of Ehud (Udi) Goldwasser and Eldad Regev zichronam livracha.

Yehi Zichram Baruch. May their memories be blessed.

Following events in Israel over the last 48 hours, we now know that Hezbollah terrorists killed Udi and Eldad after attacking and kidnapping them and killing their fellow soldiers on July 12, 2006, tragically also their last day of a 28-day period of reserve duty on Israel's northern border. After the patrol on that fateful morning, Udi z"l and Eldad z"l were supposed to return home to their families and to their lives.

Tribute to Rabbi Yitzchok Groner from SZCV President, Dr Danny Lamm

Rabbi Yitzchok Groner, of blessed memory, was the outstanding rabbinical figure in Melbourne over the last 50 years – orator, teacher, builder, friend.

He didn’t wait to provide pastoral care; he offered it to anyone who needed support.

State Zionist Council of Victoria strongly condemns bulldozer terror attack in Jerusalem; Palestinian kills 3 Israelis and injures more than 60

The State Zionist Council of Victoria strongly condemns the terror attack in Jerusalem committed by a Palestinian from East Jerusalem, who commandeered the bulldozer he worked on as an employee of an Israeli construction company, and killed 3 Israelis and injure more than 60.

The terror attack occurred on Jaffa Street, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares at noon on Wednesday (7pm AEST).

State Zionist Council of Victoria statement on Israeli cabinet approval of prisoner swap with terrorist Hezbollah

The State Zionist Council of Victoria has expressed sad relief at the news that after 2 long years of effort to return kidnapped Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev home; the Israeli cabinet voted 22 to 3 in favour of a deal with terrorist group Hezbollah. The Goldwasser and Regev families will finally have closure to 2 agonizing years at the unknown fate of Ehud and Eldad; however together with details of the deal, the Israeli government announced that Ehud and Eldad died shortly after being captured by Hezbollah terrorists on July 12, 2006. The tragedy thus becomes 2-fold for the families – after having suffered 2 agonizing years of mental anguish at the unknown fate of Ehud and Eldad, they have also been denied the right to bury and grieve for them.

State Zionist Council of Victoria executive to mark 2nd year in captivity for Israel’s kidnapped soldiers and hear address by Evan Thornley MP

The Hon. Evan Thornley MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier of Victoria, will address the State Zionist Council of Victoria Executive on Tuesday July 8.

Mr Thornley led a high-level AICC “Innovation Mission” to Israel in April to examine Israel’s latest developments in information technology, energy and clean technology, biotechnology, science and education and will reflect on the visit.

State Zionist Council of Victoria outraged at anti-Israel cartoon in The Age

The State Zionist Council of Victoria has expressed its outrage at an extreme anti-Israel cartoon by Bruce Petty, featured in The Age on Monday June 23.

The cartoon, to which a quarter of an Opinion page was devoted, is a classic example of all the grossly distorted myths of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, at a time when there is a sliver of hope as the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel continues. SZCV Acting President Sam Salcman has penned a letter to The Age expressing his condemnation of the cartoon.

State Zionist Council of Victoria deplores deliberate Palestinian targeting of
Israeli civilians at Ashkelon shopping centre

Melbourne’s Jewish community celebrated the 60 year anniversary since the establishment of the State of Israel this week.

In Israel, however, the 14th of May was marked by a Palestinian grad rocket being aimed squarely at Israeli civilians in Ashkelon and hitting a crowded shopping centre, wounding at least 30 people.

Israel radio reported at 7pm that the rocket wounded 5 people seriously, including a mother and her two year old daughter who were in a medical clinic at the time of the attack. Many of the injured were children. The rocket ripped through the roof of the mall, causing extensive damage and burying many shoppers under piles off rubble.

Tickets selling fast for Yom Ha'atzmaut 60 - The Concert
A Star studded celebration of Israel's 60 years!

The State Zionist Council of Victoria’s massive community celebration Yom Ha’atzmaut 60 – The Concert is just over 3 weeks away and Beth Weizmann Community Centre is buzzing with activity and handling hundreds of requests for tickets to the event on Wednesday evening, May 7.

With more than 2,500 people expected to fill The Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall to capacity, the community’s Yom Ha’atzmaut Concert is the Victorian Jewish community’s largest ticketed event.

Israel is taking all the right steps along the pathway to peace

First published in The Age

Reaching a fair and just two-state solution to this long-standing conflict has the support of the majority of the world's democracies and was reiterated in the Australian Parliament last month by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson in support of a bipartisan resolution commemorating Israel's 60th anniversary of independence.

This solution, however, has its opponents, particularly those groups led by Iran and its President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and terrorist movements such as Hamas and Hezbollah which reject the peace process and maintain a fanatical commitment to destroy the state of Israel.

U.S. Government recognizes Palestinians not the only Middle East refugees; passes first ever resolution on Jewish refugees from Arab countries

WASHINGTON, DC - In what may be the beginning of a dramatic shift in United States policy, the U.S. Congress passed House Resolution 185, which grants first-time-ever recognition to Jewish refugees from Arab countries.

Prior to the adoption of H.Res.185, all Resolutions on Middle East refugees referred only to Palestinians. This Resolution affirms that the U.S. government will now recognize that all victims of the Arab-Israeli conflict must be treated equally. It further urges that the President and U.S. officials participating in Middle East discussions to ensure that any reference to Palestinian refugees must: "also include a similarly explicit reference to the resolution of the issue of Jewish refugees from Arab countries."

Melbourne's Jewish community expresses solidarity with Israel and the victims of the terror attack at Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav

Melbourne’s Jewish community held a moving prayer service last night at the Caulfield Hebrew Congregation to express solidarity with Israel following last week’s horrific terror attack at the Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav in Jerusalem.

Melbourne’s Jewish community horrified by brutal attacks in Jerusalem seminary

In a horrific attack on a Jerusalem rabbinical seminary, 8 young students were murdered in a terrorist shooting rampage.

“This is a shocking reminder that despite the agreement only yesterday between Palestinian leadership and Israel to recommence negotiations promoting a solution of two states for two peoples, the extremists want no negotiations and respond with violence and terror” commented State Zionist Council of Victoria president, Dr Danny Lamm.

Israel's most costly war to be the focus of milestone Yom Hazikaron 2008

The planning for this year’s Yom Hazikaron Commemoration honouring Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror is well underway, with meetings of the planning committee by communal co-hosts Am Echad; AUJS; Caulfield Hebrew Congregation; the Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Victoria (COSV); Hagshama; Hamerkaz Ha’Israeli; JNF Victoria; Magen David Adom Victoria; UIA Victoria, the Victorian Union for Progressive Judaism (VUPJ) and WIZO Victoria, under the auspices and coordination of the State Zionist Council of Victoria.

First SZCV Executive meeting for 2008 features special Israel 60 interactive workshop and farewells record number of Australian Olim, among them our own Aliyah chair

To kick off its first Executive meeting for 2008, the State Zionist Council of Victoria presented an interactive and challenging workshop via video conference with Eitan Eliram, who heads the Israel at 60 activities for the Jewish Agency.

Limited places available for SZC first time ever tour to Israel for 60th celebrations

There are still a few places available for the State Zionist Council of Victoria’s first time ever celebratory tour of Israel, especially designed to experience the massive 60th Yom Ha’atzmaut festivities.