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)

Thursday 22 September 2011

More on Perth's Pro-Israel Rally

Chaired by Bob Kucera, former state minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Friends of Israel Western Australia was launched in Perth at the beginning of August, in the presence of over 1000 people, including an impressive number of dignatories from public life, including the former Wimbledon tennis champion Margaret Court and a cross-party representation of politicians.


Yuval Rotem, Israel's ambassador to Australia, received a standing ovation, and Danny Ayalon, Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister, addressed the gathering by video:


Below, via J-Wire, is a report by Sarah Robinson of the successful pro-Israel rally under the organisation's auspices that occurred in Perth last weekend, which I've already mentioned with a couple of video clips:

'More than three hundred people have rallied in support of Israel outside the Commonwealth Bank Building in Perth’s Murray Street Mall. Local parliamentarians, including Shadow Minister Kate Doust [speaking in the inserted video], and Member for Mount Lawley Michael Sutherland, attended the event.


The demonstration was sparked by a Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS) protest scheduled for the same day. The anti-Israel BDS campaign advocates the boycott of Israeli businesses, a movement which has recently drawn criticism from both major parties and across the Australian community.

The demonstration, planned by the Friends of Israel Western Australia, drew a cross section of supporters, with some waving Australian and Israeli flags, as well as banners displaying phrases such as "Israel. We stand with you".

Various speakers addressed the crowd, including Bob Kucera, an ex Labour MP and President of the Friends of Israel WA. Kucera cited democracy as a key issue in the debate.
"I support Israel because I believe fervently in democracy. What other country in the Middle East has accepted the right of all minority groups to live together and exist in harmony?"
Michael Sutherland also addressed the crowd which included hundreds of shoppers who stopped to observe the event. Sutherland urged people to "stand up and be counted", dubbing the BDS a "…lunatic campaign driven by the Greens and socialist alliance".

Young Labour President of WA Matt Dixon emphasised Kucera’s message, restating the importance of supporting a nation that "…loves life and not death".

Cheers of support continued as various people took to the stand, including a young man with cerebral palsy who praised Israel for its excellent treatment of people with disabilities.

Tom White, Young Liberal President in WA, and the Hon. Kate Doust, deputy Leader of the Opposition in the State Legislative Council also addressed the assembled crowd.

Meanwhile a group of thirty BDS supporters marched across Perth’s city, targeting The Body Shop, Veolia and Caterpillar – businesses that they claimed to have some connection to Israel.

A strong police presence kept a close watch over both demonstrations, with more than thirty police officers on patrol.

The pro-Israel rally garnered high levels of support from the public, reflecting increasing disapproval from the broader community towards boycotting Israeli products and anti-Israel sentiment.'

2 comments:

  1. Great article. Matt Dixson in National Young Labor President not W.A. The WA president is Dom Rose. He is also very supportive of Israel.

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  2. Thanks! Great to have them on-side.

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