Abramovich takes the helm at ADC
THE B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) will continue to promote the values of fairness, inclusion and dignity for all Australians “regardless of what they look like, where they come from, or what their surname is”, according to newly elected chairperson of the organisation, Dr Dvir Abramovich (pictured).
THE B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) will continue to promote the values of fairness, inclusion and dignity for all Australians “regardless of what they look like, where they come from, or what their surname is”, according to newly elected chairperson of the organisation, Dr Dvir Abramovich (pictured).
Abramovich, director of the Centre for Jewish History and Culture at the University of Melbourne, was installed at the ADC’s annual general meeting on Sunday, replacing Anton Block, who was at the helm for the past two years.
Speaking at the gathering at Beth Weizmann, Abramovich, the first Israeli-born administrator to lead the ADC in its 33-year history, said he will strive to continue cultivating values of tolerance and multiculturalism through programs such as the Multifaith Future Leaders Program – which reaches out to young leaders of all faiths – and Click Against Hate, which gives teachers and students in Jewish and non-Jewish schools the tools to respond to online racism.
The new chair also said strong support of Israel is integral to the ADC’s brief.
“In recent times, we’ve seen anti-Zionism become anti-Judaism, Israelis likened to Nazis, public calls to destroy Israel and a range of boycotts. When the very notion of Jewish national self-determination is under assault, the ADC is bound to stand up against this racism.
“I know that we will lead the ADC in an energetic and creative way and carry the torch forward in advancing the rights of every individual. There are great challenges facing us, but I have no doubt that we will meet them with success and continue to lead the way in deterring and counteracting anti-Semitism and hate-motivated crimes.”
Abramovich will be supported by new vice-chairpersons Dr Leon Goldberg and Jeremy Samuel, with community stalwart Dr Mervyn Cass also joining the team.
TIMNA JACKS
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