Eretz Israel is our unforgettable historic homeland...The Jews who will it shall achieve their State...And whatever we attempt there for our own benefit will redound mightily and beneficially to the good of all mankind. (Theodor Herzl, DerJudenstaat, 1896)

We offer peace and amity to all the neighbouring states and their peoples, and invite them to cooperate with the independent Jewish nation for the common good of all. The State of Israel is ready to contribute its full share to the peaceful progress and development of the Middle East.
(From Proclamation of the State of Israel, 5 Iyar 5708; 14 May 1948)

With a liberal democratic political system operating under the rule of law, a flourishing market economy producing technological innovation to the benefit of the wider world, and a population as educated and cultured as anywhere in Europe or North America, Israel is a normal Western country with a right to be treated as such in the community of nations.... For the global jihad, Israel may be the first objective. But it will not be the last. (Friends of Israel Initiative)

Monday 17 December 2012

Non-Jews Fly The Flag For Israel In South Australia

We see much of Aussie BDSers on videos of their Israel-demonising vigils targeting Max Brenner and Seacret, so it's refreshing to learn of antipodean initiatives on Israel's behalf.  The following guest post by reader Shirlee tells of such a welcome development in Adelaide, and points out that the non-Jews involved deserve support from the Australian Jewish community.

South Australians Supporting Israel
 Shirlee Finn

Here’s a truly inspirational story of a small, newly formed, non-denominational group supporting Israel, started by three people, Ben White, Virginia Snape and Tania Fenwick, who have known one another for a number of years in Adelaide. Virginia has an information blog informing readers about the real situation in Israel. Ben is very involved in informing people about the historical and political truth about the region.

Along with Tania, they often posted comments to one another about issues and happenings in Israel on their Facebook pages. They noted for weeks before Israel actually took action during Operation Pillar of Cloud, that the rocket attacks were increasing and nothing was being said in the media. When the media became obsessed with Israel again, Ben suggested that they started a group and rallied to get support.

Tania has been to Israel and has in her own words
"witnessed the inclusive and multi-cultural society of Israel. I have spent considerable time in Jordan and Israel, mostly in my archaeological pursuits. I am a field archaeologist who has worked with the University of Adelaide, Israeli Antiquities, Associates for Biblical Research and a private contractor. I have a great interest in the history of Israel and find that the archaeological proofs back up that the Jews have indigenous connections to the land.
I have Jewish Israeli and Arab Israeli friends and along with Ben and Virginia are proud supporters of Israel."
A good friend of Tania’s suggested they make contact with the Jewish community. People were interested and supportive. One especially so. Another attended their rally and is now "in touch" with the group.

Tania’s dream was to hold a rally in support of Israel.

She said 
"I ordered posters to be printed and tried to get numbers for a rally, but it was difficult to get solid numbers. I had a lot of maybes, and it took a while to understand the process as none of us had ever been part of a rally like this. I informed the Adelaide City Council and Parliament house and contacted the Police who were very supportive.
Christopher Pyne has indicated that he will attend a future rally, as he is a great supporter of Israel but was unable to attend on that day.
The rally went ahead on 9 December. 13 people attended. Although it was a small group, all were enthusiastic. I gave a speech."
Tania continues
"The rally took place on the steps of Parliament House which is quite busy. The great thing is that we had members of the public who waved and cheered from their cars and many who told us they supported Israel. We handed out flyers and the whole thing was non-confrontational but underpinned that Israel wants peace, but it is impossible when Hamas and others are full of hate and have declared that they will never make peace."
She told me:
"I think our peaceful rally with a clear message said so much and highlighted that Israel wants peace.
I notice a lot of other pro-Israel rallies have done the same and I hope the peaceful sentiments speak louder than the aggression shown on the other side!
It went well - and I think it is a great building base for the future."
Tania told me that she has had many comments about the BDS protestors in Rundle Mall who have spoken about how nasty they are and how they harass everyone. In saying this, she then decided to confront this pro-Palestinian group, who picket the Mall, outside the Seacret Spa shop every Friday.

Brave girl!

She told me the obvious after attempting to engage them in meaningful dialogue: that
"they are utterly clueless and when questioned they know nothing of the real situation. I think they are bullies. I told them they were racist as they would not picket an Israeli Arab company, but by singling out an Israeli Jewish company they are.
We are not political activists, but find the anti-Israel and antisemitic undertones intolerable and feel that voices are needed at this time to support Israel."
One other thing she thought was odd was when she was questioned about what she was doing in Israel. She said
"I told him about being a field archaeologist and then he asked me if I was Jewish or Israeli. When I told him I was neither, he was lost for words - this bloke was a real goose!"
To quote Ben 
"It was cool to see a dream that Tania had several weeks ago turn into reality! Plenty more to come yet from SASI !"
I have become quite involved with this group and feel they merit some support from the Jewish community in South Australia. I’ll make contact with the community there. I do know someone personally I can contact. I have also had the offer of support from someone here, who will go down to Adelaide in February to offer any assistance he can.

I have followed the pro-Palestinian group there who are very active, for a couple of years now and who run totally unchecked without opposition. Now we have a group of people prepared to stand up and be counted and should be able to count on us for some support.

My question now is there anyone out there that can help in any way please? The South Australian Jewish community is small, and I doubt they have the finances to fund speakers to go there. We have plenty of educational courses here but they have nothing. I am open to suggestion as to what way we can help.

Daphne [daphnedotansonatgmaildotcom] has my permission to pass on my contact details, for those who’d like to help somehow. Thanks

7 comments:

  1. What a shame the Jewish Community can't do likewise and hide away in a synagogue.

    Even the letter I had published in the AJN - Australian Jewish News, hasn't even been mentioned.
    Too scared of their own shadows.

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    1. They surely haven't caught the Anglo-Jewish disease, Shirlee?

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  2. Sorry I have a mistake in the first line above. It should read
    "What a shame the Jewish Community can't do likewise and **NOT** hide away in a synagogue."

    Yes Daphne they have, though they probably have been the same all along. It's pretty neck and neck and it's amazing how many people are telling me so.

    I am sick to death of 'this hiding in the cupboard' mentality and 'don't give them oxygen'

    As I've said elsewhere, people like my father who bravely fought The Fascists in the East End of London must be turning in their graves.

    They stood up to Mosely and his Blackshirts. They never ran away. Now we seem to ignore what the 'enemy within' are doing.

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  3. Thank you Tania, Ben and Virginia.

    An Australian Jew.

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  4. Kol hakavod! I'm very proud to see this. I live in New Zealand where the fanatical promotion of Palestinian violence and intransigence is as deeply ingrained as in the UK or Scandinavia - the same milquetoast academics, students and "workers' party" (very few of whom have ever actually been part of the working class) types become deranged at the slightest mention of "the Zionist entity". Reading about that scumbag Jake Lynch and with hypocrites like John Pilger incessantly spewing their lies it's about time a courageous bunch like this stood up for what's right! I'm moving to Victoria next month, hope to help out in Israel advocacy over there at some point... Keep up the good fight!

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    Replies
    1. All being well, I'm also moving (back) to Victoria next month...

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  5. Thank G-d Anonymous

    Please keep in touch. I can put you in touch with others of like mind

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