CHANUKAH / DECEMBER 2015 / 5776

INDEX

1. Message from the Chairman
2. ADC News Items
3. Bulletin Board
4. Photo Gallery
5. Council of Advisors
6. Staff
7. Patrons & Supporters

Message from the Chairman

Dear Friends,
As I greet you this Chanukah, I write to thank you for your ongoing support, generosity and partnership.
What an exciting and remarkable year it has been for the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, and throughout, you have stood with us in taking on the growing challenges of fighting anti-Semitism and the delegitimization of Israel.
This has been an undeniably difficult period for the Jewish people.
The dramatic increase in anti-Semitic violence, the open displays of hostility against Israel, and the dangerous BDS campaign continue with alarming intensity.
Social media has provided new opportunities for those who wish to demonise and incite against the Jewish people and minorities.
As the spectre of anti-Jewish bigotry reveals its ugly face, borne out of prejudice and incitement, this is a time in history that demands strong and bold action.
As we take pride in our successes and celebrate our achievements, we know there are daunting challenges that lie ahead.
At home, there are disturbing trends and signs of an ever increasing anti-Semitism and bigotry.
For us, these difficult circumstances are not grounds for discouragement.
Rather, they cause us to renew and strengthen our efforts and determination to ensure that the ugly and destructive virus of anti-Semitism and racism is never met by silence or inaction.
As we have done for the last 36 years, we will continue to work tirelessly and build on the incredible momentum of the last year.
Through our groundbreaking educational program Click Against Hate we help students in more than 65 Victorian schools see Jews in a different way, cutting off the poisonous weed of hate at the roots and changing hearts and minds.
You have been a major part of our successes, and thanks to your continued encouragement and help we have been able to provide a clear and authoritative voice on many issues.
I wish you and you your families much light and happiness this Chanukah and peaceful 2016.
Thank you for making a difference

Dvir Abramovich

Click here for the article

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ADC MATTERS | http://www.antidef.org.au

ADC NEWS ITEMS

Gandel Orator lauds survivors
Read about the 2015 ADC Gandel Oration with Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Rabbi Abe Cooper...
Read More

ADC deplores anti-Semitic assault in Melbourne
The ADC has deplored an assault on two Jewish men that took place outside the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne..
Read More

Time to take off the gloves
ADC Chair, Dr Dvir Abramovich and Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center write an opinion piece..
Read More

Israel still feels the loss of a peaceful fighter
ADC Chair, Dr Dvir Abramovich writes an opinion piece in the Herald Sun
Read More

ADC denounces anti-Semitic twitter attack on (then) Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
The ADC has strongly denounced the anti-Semitic twitter attack on.. Josh Frydenberg by Brisbane-based financial adviser James Howarth.
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ADC strongly condemns the vandalising and defacement of The Memorial Genocide

“...horrified and outraged by this hateful and anti-Semitic attack, which is a matter of deep concern..."

ADC joins Simon Wiesenthal Center to spearhead the Australian campaign in petitioning Krakow Mayor Jacek Majchrowski to remove nude game of Tag Gas Chamber Video Installation at Krakow Museum
Read More

ADC troubled by sale of Nazi memorabilia at a Ballarat market

The ADC has condemned the sale of new Nazi armbands, emblazoned with the Nazi swastika, at a family market in Ballarat.

Seven’s deadly sin
The ADC slams Channel 7 for distorted newsflash about Israel and for trivialising a terrorist attack....
Read More

Seven sorry for Facebook comments
The ADC has criticised Channel 7 News for allowing anti-Semitic and anti-Israel posts to remain on its Facebook page for four days.
Read More

Bialik College student attacked in the VCE FB Page
Because of the courage of a young adult girl who brought this to our attention we were able to bring this revolting abuse to light...
Read More

Skills to help fight online bigots and haters
Feature story in The Australian Newspaper about the ADC's Click against Hate program...
Read More

ADC denounces concentration camp comments by Dr Ric Gordon on The Today Show
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, said: "I am outraged and alarmed. It’s clear that we have reached a new low in the abuse and perversion of the Holocaust."
Read More

ADC accepts Jarryd Hayne apology for offensive tweets
“Jarryd Hayne did the right thing by reaching out directly to the Jewish community. .. very much welcome his heartfelt apology and pleased that he has disassociated himself from his hurtful remarks."
Read More

B’nai B’rith International and ADC deeply concerned about Iran nuclear deal

“We are deeply concerned and disappointed by the just-announced deal and are very worried about Iran’s true intentions for its nuclear program."

Amazon Australia Should Withdraw anti-Semitic and Holocaust Denial books immediately
The ADC called on Amazon Australia to pull anti-Semitic and Holocaust denial books from its site
Read More

To read all ADC News items and Press Releases please click here

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ADC MATTERS | http://www.antidef.org.au

BULLETIN BOARD

CLICK AGAINST HATE

The ADC’s Click against Hate program continues to go from strength to strength. The program is now being run in 65 Victorian schools and is growing daily. Our educators, Brett Kaye, Sharon Swiatlo and (newly appointed) Lindy Lifszyc continue to make a positive impact with schools who are re-booking the program for 2016.

CAH offers interactive workshops to support the development of effective defense mechanisms against hate online. Students are taught how to be safe (whilst online) and empowers them to make informed choices. The program effectively educates and empowers students with the tools needed to manage any hatred, racism and bullying they may encounter, contributing positively to social inclusion and countering bias and racism.

Thanks to the Minister for Education, The Hon. James Merlino, CAH is now included in the Department of Education’s toolkit as a resource on the bully stoppers website.

Feedback continues to be outstanding.

Please read what some of the teachers have written:

Kristy Carland
Grade 6 teacher
The Click against Hate program was extremely beneficial for the children at AMPS. It encouraged our students to report negative images and behaviour on the internet and act in a positive way when using technology. They now have more knowledge about problems involved when using the internet and strategies to fix and avoid them including the pillow and hero methods. Students were focused and engaged and learnt a lot of new language to describe what they see and understand on social media, including stereotypes, cyber bullying, anti-Semitism, defamation and incitement. Thank you very much Brett for a wonderful session with the kids at AMPS!

Kathleen Tehan
Learning Technologies & Research Centre Co-ordinator

'Click against Hate' is a well-designed, educational presentation which clarifies for our students the distinction between freedom of speech and all forms of discrimination such as racism, vilification, bullying and stereotyping. What really keeps our students 'glued' to the presenter are her personal and topical stories of discrimination and the way they were resolved.

Students are made aware of discrimination in all forms of media, on the net, in political cartoons and in daily life. They are taught not to just accept what is put before them, but to sit up and think, to be critical thinkers and then they are given meaningful ways in which they can act upon discrimination when they encounter it.

At every presentation, our written feedback shows that students have their eyes opened to the power within them to stand up against discrimination in all its forms.

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ADC MATTERS | http://www.antidef.org.au

ADC CHAMPIONS

Anne and Greg Rosshandler

Anne and I support the crucial work of The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission because for more than 35 years it has been at the forefront, confronting and speaking out against anti-Semitism, prejudice and bigotry.

The ADC has had incredible success in combatting racism through various educational initiatives, especially its ground-breaking, school based program Click against Hate.

By joining the ADC in the fight against hate, we are helping them build a more inclusive, respectful and tolerant Australia. Become part of the ADC and help them keep making a difference and an impact in peoples’ lives.

Janet and Allan Reid

"We are too often apathetic when it comes to discrimination and defamation against minorities. We cannot afford to be complacent particularly given the current rise in anti-Semitism.

These issues need to be tackled head on to promote social cohesion.

We see the ADC as one of the most effective bodies in pursuing this objective."

Ravit and John Walys

"Ravit and I have seen first-hand the incredible work of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission and wholeheartedly believe that they are one of the most effective organisations in the world today fighting anti-Semitism. Their dedication and resolve to counter the vilification of the Jewish people and to stand up for the community is profound and inspiring. We call on everyone who is interested in keeping the ADC strong to join us and to become a key supporter and partner. In our view, it is vital that the ADC has the resources it needs to act swiftly and decisively whenever and wherever antisemitism arises and to sustain its transformative and empowering educational project Click Against Hate—one of the most creative and principled initiatives we have come across. We are proud to be associated with the ADC and to affirm our commitment to their vision of fostering a more welcoming, inclusive and diverse society."

Emily Slade and Sonney Roth

“Emily and I passionately support the ADC because it is a proactive organization that counters anti-Semitism and hatred, replacing it with respect and understanding.

Its educational Click against Hate initiative, which is now running in scores of Victorian schools, is touching so many lives and is making an impact that will be felt for generations to come.

We are comforted to know that for 36 years the ADC has been here to protect our community and to combat prejudice and bigotry whenever and wherever they occur.

We hope that others will be inspired by what we’ve done, and consider backing the ADC’s vitally important mission so as to ensure even greater success into the future.”

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ADC MATTERS | http://www.antidef.org.au

COUNCIL OF ADVISORS

Emeritus Prof. Louis Peter Waller

Louis Peter Waller AO was born in Poland on February 10, 1935. He was Sir Leo Cussen Professor of Law at Monash University from 1965 until 2000 and is particularly well known for his work in medical and criminal law. He formally retired from Monash Law School in 2000 as its most senior academic. However, he has continued his teaching and research as Emeritus Professor of Law. Upon his retirement, the school established the Louis Waller Chair of Law in his honour.
President of Council of Advisors

The Hon R J L Hawke

Robert James Lee "Bob" Hawke AC, GCL was born December 9, 1929. After a decade as President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions he entered parliament as the Labor MP for Wills in 1980. Three years later, he led Labor to a landslide election victory and was sworn in as Prime Minister. He led Labor to victory at three more elections in 1984, 1987 and 1990 making him the most successful Labor Leader in history. He remains to date Labor's longest-serving Prime Minister, and is Australia's third-longest-serving Prime Minister.

Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue

Lowitja O'Donoghue, AC, CBE, DSG was born August 1, 1932. After commencing her career as a nursing aide, she became a nurse. In 1967 she became an Aboriginal Liaison Officer with the South Australian Department of Education. She was named Australian of the Year in 1984 and in 1990 Ms O'Donoghue was appointed Chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.

The Rt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen

Sir Ninian Martin Stephen KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, PC, QC was born June 15, 1923. By the 1960s, Stephen was one of Australia's leading constitutional and commercial lawyers. In 1970 he was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria, relinquishing it in 1972 to take up his appointment as a Justice of the High Court of Australia. In 1982 he was appointed as Australia’s 20th Governor-General. He subsequently became the first Australian Ambassador for the Environment and was later appointed chairman of the second strand of the Northern Ireland peace talks. From 1993 to 1997 he was a judge on the international tribunals investigating war crimes in Yugoslavia and Rwanda. He has also been chairman of the Citizenship Council since 1998 and has acted as a special envoy of the UN Secretary General to resolve political conflicts in Bangladesh.

The Hon John Winston Howard

John Howard OM, AC was born July 26, 1939, in Sydney, Australia. He entered parliament in 1974 and became Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs from 1975 to 1977. He was then elevated to the position of Treasurer from 1977 to 1983. He was leader of the Liberal Party from 1985 to 1989 and from 1995 to 2007, being Prime Minister of Australia from 1996 to 2007. He is Australia's second-longest-serving Prime Minister.

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ADC MATTERS | http://www.antidef.org.au

STAFF MEMBERS

Edna Lipson

Projects and Development Manager

Edna Lipson has been working at the ADC since February 2008. In her role as Project and Development Manager, Edna is responsible for implementing and running our programs. These include The Multifaith Future Leaders Program, Click Against Hate, ADC Gandel Oration, Campus anti-Semitism and other ADC events.

Minette Machet

Administration Officer

Minette Machet has been working at the ADC since January 2014. Minette is responsible for the upkeep of our social media and the ADC website. Minette is responsible for the production of the newsletters, as well as much of the administration.

Sharon Swiatlo, Brett Kaye and Lindy Lifszyc

Education Officers

Sharon Swiatlo has been working at the ADC since 2012. Brett Kaye has been working at the ADC since July 2014. We welcome Lindy Lifszyc to the team. Together, they are responsible for delivering the Click Against Hate program in Victorian schools. Sharon, Brett and Lindy bring years of educational experience into the classroom to engage the students in this dynamic program.

Dannyella Levin

Education Support

Dannyella started working at the ADC in April and is responsible for co-ordinating the Click Against Hate program. She is the liaison officer between the schools and the Education officers.

Michele Slatem

Bookkeeper

Michele joined the ADC in May and is responsible for the financial reporting and bookkeeping functions.

Annette Gladwin

Volunteer

Annette Gladwin has been working at the ADC for over 30 years. Annette is responsible for researching information related to anti-Semitism, racism and multiculturalism. Annette volunteers her time when necessary to remove anti-Semitic graffiti.

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ADC MATTERS | http://www.antidef.org.au