ADC News
Vol. 3 No.2
June 2010
Community on high alert 
 The Melbourne Jewish community has been placed on high security alert by the Community Security Group following the response to the attempted break of the Gaza blockade. Some of the negative press coverage which Israel has received reflects badly on the Jewish community and we have already seen concurrent and related antisemitism. The ADC is constantly monitoring antisemitism to protect the Jewish community and counter misinformation. To keep up-to-date with the facts as they affect the Jewish community, click here . For further information at talkgaza click here .
ADC takes action against antisemitism 
Jewish students were bullied by boys from a private school in Glenferrie Rd, Malvern recently when they were sworn at, pushed and taunted. ADC Executive Director, Deborah Stone met with the school principal and chaplain to discuss educational programs which could be offered to students. The school has committed to re-involve itself in the Building Bridges Program, in which students get the opportunity to meet with other faith groups in an informal but educational setting. Those students involved who were identified have been disciplined.
Online questionaire for university students
 The ADC has launched an online questionaire aimed at university students as part of its Research Program. The results will give some indication of the extent and type of antisemitism experienced by Jewish students on campus around Australia and will allow for specific programs to be set in place for the future handling of these events. The response has been very good, and data collected will be examined and monitoring systems formalized.
Irwin Cotler drawing a crowd 
Response to the ADC Gandel Oration has been overwhelmingly positive with pre-sales already exceeding last year's at this time. As predicted, Professor Irwin Cotler is a huge drawcard, his remarkable contribution to human rights issues and his successful political career promises a hugely informative and stimulating evening. The Oration is held in Melbourne on Sunday 18 July,and in Sydney on Wednesday 21 July 2010. Tickets cost $30, and booking is essential. To purchase tickets, call Edna on 03-9572 5770 or email her at reception@antidef.org.au.
If you would like to become a Sponsor, Patron, Friend or Advertiser of the Oration, please contact Ian Grinblatt on 03 9572 5770 - Sponsors, friends etc, receive tickets to the event and an invitation to the supper immediately after at which you can speak personally with the Orator.
VMC supports the ADC'S multicultural program 
The VMC has approved a grant for the 2011 ADC'S Multifaith future leaders program based on the success of two past events. Follow-up projects and events have highlighted a desire for students to be involved in multicultural events, and to learn more about different cultures and religions. The group met in March during Cultural Diversity Week where 3 students spoke on a linguistic, religious or a cultural aspect of their particular faith. The group also met at the Jewish Holocaust Centre in April where they listened to the personal story of Holocaust survivor, Tuvia Lipson and were taken on a tour of the museum.
JCMA hosts panel on faith perspectives on middle-east 
ADC's Deborah Stone participated in a panel discussion recently entitled, - The elephant in the room -faith perspectives on the middle- east. Hosted by the Jewish, Christian and Muslim Association and facilitated by Helen Shardey MP, a spirited but respectful discussion was led by speakers including Deborah Stone, a Christian viewpoint from Merrill Kitchen OA and Mai Sarraj with a Muslim-Palestinian perspective. To read Stone's presentation, click here
No one we know - Jews in Jail
 The Jewish community is no different to other communities with its criminals and problems. The ADC invites you to an insight into the lives of Jews in jail. Speakers include Chaplain to prisoners, Mrs Timmy Rubin, Criminal Barrister, Remy van der Wiel, QC, and psychologist, Kalman Rubin. Being held on the 27 June, at 8 pm at the B'nai B'rith House in Hotham Street, St Kilda. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door. For seating arrangements please inform the office on 9572 5770 or reception@antidef.org.au if you wish to attend.
Supporting victims of antisemitism
Anyone wishing to support the important work of the ADC in combating racism and antisemitism is invited to volunteer for the ADC Annual Appeal phonathon. Held from the 31 July until the 20 Aug, volunteers are required weekday evenings at Beth Weizman from about 6 pm. Please call 9572 5770 if you are able to offer an hour of your time. Assist us in raising community awareness, and in representing our community's needs.
How safe are you online?
The new educational program Click Against Hate developed by the ADC will begin educating Jewish students on how to handle racism and antisemitism on the internet in the new term. Social media sites are targeted in skilling students to combat hate online, and to protect their social pages from hacking and ID theft. The history of antisemitism as well as ways of recognizing the different types of antisemitism will also be discussed.
For more information, contact the office on reception@antidef.org.au
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Antisemitism 
