Australian Muslim paper recognises Jewish writer
At their Gala Dinner and Awards Night recently, the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST presented Philip Feinstein with an award for his long-term association with the newspaper.
Zia Ahmad and Philip Feinstein with his award
“It is really an honour for us to have Philip Feinstein as a regular columnist and part of the AMUST team” said Zia Ahmad, Editor in Chief of the monthly Muslim newspaper. “Philip’s columns are highly appreciated by our readers contributing to a diversity of views in AMUST.”
There was a definite Jewish presence at the function where Rabbi Zalman Kastel could be seen milling with the huge crowd along with Courage to Care group leader Shoshana Cochrane.
“The Australasian Muslim Times is a paper I feel comfortable with due to their acceptance of open-minded editorial,” said Philip Feinstein, CEO of the Music for Refugees organisation and leader of Jews for Refugees in NSW. “I really appreciate their acceptance of the variety of stories that I write, all directed at peace between Jews, Muslims and Christians, plus Tutsi’s and Hutu’s in east Africa.” His past contributions can be seen on http://www.amust.com.au/author/philip-feinstein/
The special Awards Night and Gala Dinner was attended by AMUST team members including producers, writers, distributors and advertisers as well as interfaith leaders, politicians, government officials and other members of their diverse community. With its publication of Issue #163, AMUST completed five years of a success story.
“Philip was presented with an award as an outstanding writer for AMUST by Mr Chin Tan, Race Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission” Zia Ahmad said. “His writings in AMUST contribute towards interfaith understanding between our Jewish and Muslim communities in Australia, highlighting the good work that is being carried out in order to maintain peace and harmony in our country.”
“While most media outlets tend to focus on just the bad news around the world, the approach at AMUST is to bring various sections of the community together by highlighting achievements and cooperation between Australia’s multicultural community” commented their Managing Editor, Mobinah Ahmad. “Our readership has shown to be progressive and forward-thinking” she added.
With over 200 ‘movers and shakers’ filling the elite Highline Venue in Bankstown, a special moment was taken up with a sacred-music-and-lion-dance entertainment feature, followed by a mixture of Western and traditional Middle Eastern meal. The exuberant evening included some vibrant speeches by various dignitaries recalling some of Australia’s high points on the multicultural success story. See https://www.amust.com.au/2019/07/amust-showcase-with-awards-sacred-music-and-lion-dance/
The latest of stories by Philip Feinstein to AMUST features the Jewish contribution of over NZ$1 million towards the grieving Muslim families of the recent Christchurch massacre. “Despite the atrocity, it is heartwarming to see how one religion can support another at times like this,” said Feinstein. See https://www.amust.com.au/2019/07/jewish-support-for-christchurch-victims/
The evening concluded on a positive note for a future of health, happiness and cooperation between everyone.
