Aliyah Mezuzah Ceremony, 20 May 2013

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The ZCV is proud to support forthcoming olim as they move to Israel. As such, the ZCV honours olim at ZCV Executive meetings and gives each oleh or family with a mezuzah at the ceremony.

On 20 May, we were proud to say Hatzlacha Raba to two individuals and a family. State Labour Members of Parliament, along with Israel Aliyah Centre - Australia Director Bezalel Gleiser, presented the olim with their mezuzahs.

Sarah

The Zionist movement in Australia is appalled by the Australian Jewish Democratic Society's campaign which encourages people not to buy products produced in Israeli communities beyond the Green Line. The idea that a Jewish organisation that purports to be a part of our community supports (even a part of) the insidious campaign of delegitimisation being waged by Israel's enemies is not only repugnant and immoral but also unfathomable.

The leaders said: "Campaigns that work to deepen the divide rather than encouraging mutual respect and recognition delay rather than hasten the true and lasting peace for which we all hope."

Fairfax, AFP: Iron Dome a Defence system

This letter was sent to the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in response to an Agence France-Presse article and caption that were printed in the online versions of the Fairfax papers on 6 February.

Note: On 7 February, the original caption to the article was changed to "The Israeli military launches a missile from the Iron Dome missile system in the southern city of Beer Sheva on November 15, 2012". The original caption read: "The Israeli military launch a missile from the Iron Dome missile system in the southern city of Beer Sheva into the Gaza Strip on November 15, 2012" (emphasis mine, to reflect the part that was removed).

Dear Editor,

We refer to your article that appeared online headlined "Israel deploys missile defence system near Syria," on the Sydney Morning Herald website http://www.smh.com.au/world/israel-deploys-missile-defence-system-near-syria-20130206-2dxaf.html and on The Age website http://www.theage.com.au/world/israel-deploys-missile-defence-system-near-syria-20130206-2dxaf.html

The Iron Dome to which the article refers is a defensive surface to air missile system designed to intercept and destroy missiles fired into Israel by its hostile neighbours including Hamas in Gaza (saving many lives in the recent conflict) and Hezbollah in Lebanon which is a client of the Syrian regime led by Bashar Al Asad. It is NOT a missile system that fires missiles into Gaza or anywhere else.

Bereaved families and friends invited to light candles, share stories Yom Hazikaron Communal Commemoration 2013

The ZCV and the Yom Hazikaron organising committee is seeking candle lighters and stories to include as part of its annual Yom Hazikaron Commemoration, which is scheduled for 14 April.

Yom Hazikaron is the time our community collectively grieves and pays tribute to Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror. The Commemoration can also offer some solace to bereaved families and friends of the fallen.

Martial arts initiative for peace in the Middle East to visit Melbourne

Eleanor Roosevelt once said “It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” In the context of the Middle East, her words were prophetic, particularly following the last 8 days of intense battle in Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Against the backdrop of raw and recent conflict and the decades-long Israeli-Arab conflict, there are pockets of hope and people working hard to create, nurture and develop grassroots co-existence between Jews and Arabs. When you explore just one project, such as the martial arts initiative Budo for Peace (BFP), it opens up the possibility that reconciliation in the Middle East may actually be attainable.

CODE RED – STOP THE ROCKETS

Communities to gather in solidarity with Israel on 18 November

Jewish communities across Australia are set to gather in solidarity with Israel and her people this coming Sunday, 18 November. Community leaders, politicians and youth will lead gatherings, expected to attract large numbers of people in:

Israeli journalist and editor Ben-Dror Yemini in Melbourne

BEN-DROR YEMINI is an Israeli journalist and editor. He is one of Israel’s most outspoken commentators, having written extensively on human rights; genocide; Jewish refugees from Arab countries; Jerusalem; multiculturalism; the status of Israeli Arabs and the status of women in Israeli and Arab societies.

Israel from the ground up
Unique cultural aspects to be presented by author, commentator David Hazony

Individuals’ relationships with Israel are complex and unique, but there are certainly generalities which define groups and generations. Just as Israel’s economy has transformed from largely agricultural to one based on technology, science and intellectual endeavour, so has the dominant perception of Israel morphed from the kibbutz lifestyle as an exemplar of equality and egalitarianism to a more high-tech, culturally creative one.

ZCV President Sam Tatarka reflects on a year since Gilad Shalit’s release

Gilad Shalit’s release from Hamas terrorist captivity exactly a year ago was a milestone event in Israel and for Jews everywhere.  The emotion and jubilation felt by our Zionist community in Melbourne was palpable as we gathered in Beth Weizmann to watch a live feed of the prisoner exchange that finally saw Gilad come home into the loving arms of his parents and indeed the entire Jewish people.

Reviewing a challenging year for Israel and the local Zionist community

It has been a rollercoaster year of remarkable highs and frustrating lows for the local Zionist movement, driving home the fact that our world is a small, intensely connected network and the extensive range of issues concerning Israel’s supporters around the globe, impact our lives.

On Thursday October 18, 8pm at the Beth Weizmann Community Centre, the 74th Annual Assembly of the Zionist Council of Victoria will review the multitude of challenges local Zionist activity has faced in 2012 and look toward the future.

Community call to remember Israeli Olympians killed in Munich

Former IDF Chief: Keep Israel's democracy, religion balanced

Major General (Res.) Elazar Stern warns of coercion from both sides

The greatest threat to Israel's military survival isn't Iran or the Palestinians – no, it's Israel's own internal identity struggle, said Major General (Res.) Elazar Stern.

Holiday Contemplation

If you do the sums, a considered evaluation will inform you that Israel’s presence on the world stage as a Jewish state is an anomaly.  Despite 5 major wars, two intifadas, suicide bombings, ongoing rocket attacks and the threat of nuclear war Israel not only survives, it thrives.

Double the fun at events to celebrate Israel @ 64 !

Tickets are selling quickly for Yom Ha’atzmaut in Melbourne, set to be the largest and most vibrant double-event on offer to the community. With 2 events over 2 days – the community Concert followed the next day by a festival celebration at Luna Park – you will not want to miss a minute of the fun for Israel’s 64th birthday.

Major communal partnership announced for Melbourne’s Israel flagship events

The Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV) has announced the formation of a major communal partnership for its three flagship events connecting the Victorian Jewish community to Israel.

The Victorian divisions of the Jewish National Fund of Australia (JNF Victoria) and the United Israel Appeal (UIA Victoria) will be equal communal partners with the ZCV in the Yom Hazikaron Commemoration for Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror on April 24; the Community Concert celebrating Israel’s 64th anniversary on April 25 and the Yom Ha’atzmaut Festival at Luna Park for families on April 26, 2012.

Invitation to bereaved families for involvement in Yom Hazikaron Commemoration 2012

On Yom Hazikaron we honour the memory of the men and women who have given their lives for the creation and continued security of the State of Israel. 

Melbourne’s annual Yom Hazikaron Communal Commemoration is the time our community collectively grieves and pays tribute to Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror and can offer some solace to bereaved families and friends of the fallen. This year’s Yom Hazikaron Communal Commemoration is taking place on Tuesday evening 24th April 2012 at 7.45 pm (doors open at 7 pm) at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University Clayton Campus.

Minister: Israel can be a bridge between U.S./China

Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour briefs ZCV, ZFA during visit to Australia

In order to continue to remain unscathed from the Global Financial Crisis, Israel's government is encouraging investment in East Asia and plans to work with Australia on joint investments, according to Shalom Simhon, Israel's Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour.

Simhon held an hour-long briefing for leading community members associated with the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and the Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV) 26 February in Melbourne.

Parliament learns from Israel

Israeli educator Rabbi David Samson gave evidence at Parliament on Monday to the Victorian Government’s inquiry into the education of gifted and talented students. Israel is considered a world leader in this area since the establishment seven years ago of a department of the Ministry of Education devoted entirely to dealing with the needs of gifted students.

Top seeded Israeli wheelchair tennis champion wins Sydney International, on way to Melbourne Open

Noam Gershony, Israel’s leading wheelchair tennis player, who has rapidly made his mark on the International Tennis Federation’s Wheelchair division, with a current ranking of #3 in singles Quads for players with a high disability level and #10 in doubles, has just won the Men’s Quads singles at the 2012 GIO Sydney International Wheelchair Tennis Open.