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)

Friday 5 April 2013

The Flying Kangaroo Turns Demi-Dhimmi

Qantas (advertising motto: "The Spirit of Australia, The Flying Kangaroo") has a new business partner, Emirates airlines.

As a result, the Flying Kangaroo, changing its stopover from Singapore to Dubai on the Australia-Europe route, will not be carrying any foodstuffs offensive to the Islamic faith.  Reports the Sydney Daily Telegraph:
'QANTAS has removed pork from its in-flight menu on flights to and from Europe as a result of its partnership with Middle Eastern airline Emirates.
No food containing pork or pork products will be served on those flights - which now has a stopover in Dubai - because it is strictly forbidden in Islam and is considered "unholy".
All meals offered on the route in first, business and economy classes will also be prepared without alcohol in keeping with the Islamic religion. A note on the Qantas menus on flights in and out of Dubai states that the meals do not contain pork products or alcohol. The airline has also introduced a mezze plate offering traditional Middle Eastern fare in its upper classes and has Arabic translations after in-flight announcements.
A Qantas spokesman said the decision to remove pork, ham and other related food items had had minimal impact on its menu and it was still offering the same meal choices.
"Qantas in-flight catering often reflects the cultural and regional influences of the international destinations we fly to," he said....'
Ah, well, the airline industry's a cutthroat business and dem is the breaks.  That the Flying Kangaroo has done what it needed to do to stay airborne above the fierce competition  makes no difference to me (as long as they still serve a [pre-ordered] vegetarian option) and it might save some Jewish passengers the hassle of pre-ordering kosher.

But there are those who are distinctly upset.  Read more here

Hat tip: reader Rita

5 comments:

  1. There has been an uproar here about it with the ECAJ posing questions to QANTAS in regards to Jews or people with Israeli stamps in their passports, as either passengers in transit, or those stranded due to mechanical issues.

    Last year a Jewish South African doctor was arrested in transit in Dubai on instructions from Saudi Arabia becasue a cancer patient of his had died.

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  2. "...Ah, well, the airline industry's a cutthroat business...

    What an appropriate pun (intended or not) ;)

    Speaking of "cutthroat", I wonder if that Jewish South African surgeon, Shirl refers to above, is still detained?

    I don't think flying Qantas would be very healthy for Jewish travellers, I understand that Jewish passport holders are "allowed" to "remain" within the confines of the Airport. What if a snowstorm immobilised the planes...hmmm. Yes I know, pigs don't fly (any longer) and it doesn't snow in Dubai.

    Thanks for the H/T, Daphne.

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    Replies
    1. I presume the good doctor has since been released or I think we would have heard more about it

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  3. OT
    Pro-BDS Aussie Jewish group labelled ‘repugnant’
    http://www.timesofisrael.com/pro-bds-aussie-jewish-group-labelled-repugnant/
    Umbrella body considers booting the Australian Jewish Democratic Society for its website ‘Don’t Buy Settlements Products’

    Don't fillup at Shell
    ‘Shell to dump energy firm over its ties to Israel’
    Australia’s Woodside Petroleum has a 30-percent interest in Israel’s Leviathan natural gas field
    http://www.timesofisrael.com/report-shell-to-dump-firm-over-its-ties-to-israel/

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