Only a short time before thousands gathered in Tel-Aviv to protest against police violence and profiling, the cops again did what they know best and shot to death a 16-year-old Palestinian girl holding a knife. There are some people for whom the rules of engagement do not apply.By Orly NoyA short time before thousands of […]
by Samah SabawiAustralian singer/song writer Deborah Conway in a recent interview was asked why her support for Zionism increased. ‘I hate bullies and I feel the world is bullying Israel’ she replied adding that the Palestinian-led BDS (Boycotts Divestments and Sanctions) movement to end Israel’s occupation and ongoing human rights violations is ‘horrendous antisemitism.’ For years, I […]
editorial This issue of Just Voices is dedicated to Environmental issues. In 2015 AJDS released our environment policy. It states: “The Australian Jewish Democratic Society places itself amongst progressive voices globally, striving for peace and social justice for all of humanity. Today, the progressive vision has inevitably become entwined with environmentalism. A holistic progressive vision […]
Environmental movements and indigenous sovereignty movements often intersect in their agendas and activities. However, what seems like a natural ally ship based on preservation and conversation of the environment has mounted a history of tension between these two movements. For example, the language and concept of wilderness, held dear to much of the environment movement, […]
Anonymous AJDS MemberI am concerned at the slow and steady loss of environmental values in our community. I am worried that children and young people are spending less time in natural settings. I know that more people are sipping coffee during the day, and the apparent lack of care and consideration for our natural systems […]
Anna Bodeenberg is a member and board member of Earthworker Cooperative.Reading the news, scrolling social media, listening to politicians it feels like every day there is a new threat to our environment, our climate, our communities. There are countless reasons to feel angry, countless things to protest, countless moments of sadness. What can seem lacking […]
David Rothfield is President of the Bayside Climate Change Action Group (BCCAG) and an AJDS committee member.It’s nearly thirty years since climate change first came on to our political agenda. In 1990, the Coalition under Andrew Peacock pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% within 10 years if they won office. Officially, Australia’s emissions have […]
From the AJDS website: www.whatsbehindjnf.orgThe JNF in Australia have tax deductibility status as an environmental organisation. According to the JNF’s website:“Donations of $2.00 or more to the JNF Environment Gift Fund for the planting of trees and other environmental projects are tax deductible.”The JNF advertise themselves as a primarily environmental organisation but they are complicit […]
Rabbi Jonathon Keren-Black is the rabbi at Leo Baeck centre. He established JECO (the Jewish Ecological Coalition) and was instrumental in establishing GreenFaith Australia. About a month ago, Rabbis across Melbourne were invited to meet with Scott Morrison, who I note is still described as ‘Our Prime Minister, Scott Morrison’, in case you might think […]
With the Victorian State election just days away, we might pause to ask what is at stake when we go to vote. The Liberal opposition is attempting to make an issue of law and order. They use racist innuendo to amplify their point and create fear in the community. But at the same time, they are avoiding […]
