AJA launches in Melbourne
Following two failed attempts due to cancellations by venue operators, the Australian Jewish Association has been launched in Melbourne.
Dr David Adler addresses the meeting
President of the AJA David Adler describes the organisation as a new voice for the Jewish community based on politically conservative policies and guided by genuine Jewish Torah values.
Following by a change of mind by Beit Weizmann and the Mizrachi synagogue the organisation held its Melbourne launch at the South Caufield Hebrew Congregation hall.
As part of the planned event there was a presentation on the subject of “Islam and Jews – Lessons for Australia” to be delivered by Dr David Adler, AJA President and Rev Dr Mark Durie, a world renowned expert on theology. Various threats had been made to the venues and people associated with the venues.
The event was chaired by Alan Freedman and attended by almost 300 members of the Melbourne Jewish community.
Alan Freedman explained that while the AJA will progressively formulate policy on a range of social and political issues, they are already concerned and active with :
- Free speech and Jewish values
- Israel advocacy with an emphasis on Jewish identity and religious connections to Eretz Yisrael.
- A discussion on radical Islam in our community, particularly in the light of European experiences.
Last night’s launch proceeded without any problem or incident. Two protestors arrived and although being invited into the event, they both chose to quickly leave.
“All attendees I spoke with agreed that the allegations that such a discussion could incite violence, fear or hatred proved totally unfounded” Dr Adler said.
“We have a spectacular case of moral inversion in play – we do not incite but rather expose those that do” he explained.
There was lots of strong positive feedback that there is a Jewish voice ready to articulate conservative views and discuss hitherto off limits subjects. Membership application forms were completed by many on the night.
“I think we have the potential to start a revolution. Kol Ha’kavod to all who made this happen.”
The AJA was launched in Sydney last week at an event held in the North Shore Synagogue.
I cant see any young people in the audience photo.