ADC News
Volume 2, No. 4
December 2009
Powering the international fight against antisemitism on the internet
The ADC is making an important contribution to the global fight against antisemitism by contributing to the strategy for combatting internet hate. ADC Executive Director Deborah Stone is contributing to the outcome paper for the Working Group on Antisemitism Online: Cyberspace and the Media for the Global Conference to Combat Antisemitism which meets in Jerusalem this month. The working group is co-chaired by Melbourne-based Dr Andre Oboler who has been working closely with the ADC to develop an education program to teach students how to combat antisemitism online. ADC reports and programs are cited in the outcome document as international models of positive initiatives. These include our report on hate on the internet, To hate, click here; our investigation into newmatilda.com and our education program to help students respond to antisemitism on the internet, Click Against Hate.
 Cooking up harmony
Shared service projects have been identified as one of the best ways to improve interfaith relations. The young people who are part of the ADC's Multifaith Future Leaders Project have identified a commitment to charity as something they all have in common. So they put their ideals into action and turned up to cook for the homeless in St Kilda during November. Three experts - Jewish Chef Moishe Gurgiel, Muslim chef Aziza Dhanshe and Christian cook Fiona Marantelli - volunteered their time to help and together the group provided a substantial and much appreciated dinner for about 60 homeless people. Jewish student Caroline Mense said being involved was both worthwhile and “amazing fun”. “I believe that engaging in projects that transcend faith and make a practical difference to society is what it’s all about,” she said. Muslim student Tiara Asmaranjani agreed that it was a great program. “Doing this makes me a better person and it makes me appreciate other people.”
WA man facing charges over antisemitism
The ADC is monitoring the on-going actions of a man charged with conduct intended to incite racial animosity or racist harassment in Western Australia.
Brendon O'Connell was charged after posting a video on You-Tube following an altercation in a Perth supermarket. He continues to post offensive material, including Holocaust denial, on his website and to send emails to Jewish individuals.
O'Connell is still awaiting trial.
Contributing to the Parliament of World Religions
The ADC's role as the facilitator of leading interfaith programs was furthered at a highly successful panel at the Parliament of World Religions in Melbourne in early December. Executive Director Deborah Stone facilitated a panel called Strangers in a Strange Land which explored the common experiences of minority religions. Jewish school principal Michele Bernshaw spoke about education, Muslim researcher Rachel Woodlock discussed integration and religious observance, Sikh interfaith leader Piara Singh talked about visible difference and misunderstanding, Hindu philosophy professor Purushottama Bilimoria explored the second generation experience and Buddhist philosopher Padmasiri de Silva spoke about family and community.
Jokes not funny
Jokes stereotyping Jews as rich and money-loving have been broadcast twice on Channel Nine recently. The ADC has complained about jokes broadcast as passing comments which show stereotypes of Jews are still being spread. On the Today show about the wedding of Geoffrey Edelsten and Brynne Gordon, reporter Richard Wilkins said the florists of Melbourne had had an early Christmas “and of course the Jewish word for congratulations, kerching”. His remark was met by loud laughter from presenters Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic and “kerching” sound of a cash register played in the background to subsequent pictures. In a separate incident, celebrity chef Iain Hewitson quoted Jewish comedian Joan Rivers saying “I’m Jewish, if God wanted me to workout he would have put diamonds on the floor”. The ADC has written to the producers of both shows.
Understanding antisemitism in the text
 The ADC Basia Leinkram Lecture Series committee hosted an evening of drama and film on 18 October. Directed by George Werther, the evening included readings from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, David Hare's Via Dolorosa and Arnold Wesker's Shylock and film clips from Chariots of Fire and Daniel Deronda. Discussants Deborah Stone, Dr Carmela Levy-Stokes and Michelle Prawer facilitated debate on these controversial texts, encouraging audience participation. The ADC thanks Lesley Gaspar and Rena Lopata for their work in organizing this informative and innovative event.
ADC worker honoured
 The Stephen Minz Award for the Volunteer of the Year was presented to Annette Gladwin at the ADC's AGM in November. Annette has worked for the ADC for many years as Liaison Officer and responsible for maintaining our enormous data base. But the award recognised the additional contribution she has made as a volunteer facilitiating the ADC's appeal and co-ordinating volunteers. ADC Chairman Tony Levy thanked Annette for her huge contribution to the Annual Appeal.
Staff update
Deborah Stone has been officially appointed Executive Director of the ADC, after acting in that capacity for some time. The Board has appointed a new researcher, Daniel Goodhardt who is sharing his time with the Community Security Group, ensuring continued and increased co-operation between the organisations. Pam Goldman continues as Education and Information Officer, running our website and education programs. Edna Lipson as Development Officer is running our Multifaith Leaders Project and events. Ian Grinblat continues as Officer Manager, ensuring the running of our appeal and administration and Annette Gladwin (see above) remains Liaison Officer.
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Antisemitism 
