The changing face of Zionism
THE Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) will hold its biennial conference later this month, with special guest speaker American-born Israeli author and commentator David Hazony to address the 120-strong group of Australian Zionist leaders.
THE Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) will hold its biennial conference later this month, with special guest speaker American-born Israeli author and commentator David Hazony to address the 120-strong group of Australian Zionist leaders.
Attendees will also hear from outgoing Israeli Ambassador Yuval Rotem and ZFA president Philip Chester, who is set to run for a fourth term in the top job.
Hazony, who has contributed to The New Republic, the Jewish Daily Forward, The Jewish Chronicle, The New York Sun and The Jerusalem Post, will speak on two topics: “Does Israel Need Saving? Unconventional Thoughts About The Future of Israel-Diaspora Relations” and “What Has Happened To Israeli Politics? A Pre-election Primer”.
“David will bring to our community a contemporary take on the perennial issues – how we relate to Israel, what Israel means to us in the Diaspora and how we can improve our relationship,” said Chester. “While David has serious academic and literary credentials, he will explore these and other issues in an interactive and engaging way.”
Among other sessions, a panel of experts, including former Age editor Michael Gawenda and Australian Financial Review international editor Tony Walker, will explore perceptions of Israel in the media, with former AJN editor Dan Goldberg moderating the discussion.
The organisation is also set to unveil its answer to anti-Israel sentiment at universities in the form of mobile panels spruiking Israel’s contribution to the world. The seven-foot boards will tour Australia as part of an initiative by Israel advocate StandWithUs.
“We have a vibrant and diverse community that wishes to remain engaged with Israel and Zionism, but also to debate and discuss the challenges associated with this connection,” Chester said. “The ZFA is proud to bring together so many diverse thoughts and people who hail from the wide spectrum of Zionist beliefs in order to further enhance Zionism in Australia.
The ZFA biennial conference will be held on November 11 in Melbourne.
AJN STAFF
Guest speaker David Hazony.
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