NCJWA VIC 

Statement on 4 Corners/ The Australian investigation on the Israeli justice system by the Zionist movement

The Four Corners program aired on ABC was highly emotive and one-sided. It only depicted the allegations in line with the Palestinian position but made absolutely no attempt to report the facts presented to the court or the difficult legal realities on the ground.

 

The disputed territories have many legal, social and moral complexities with which Israel is continually trying to grapple. John Lyons and Four Corners did not acknowledge these difficulties in dealing with Palestinian "child terrorists" who are caught throwing rocks. Lyons' attempt to belittle the lethal repercussions of this terrorist activity proves that this investigation is partial.

 

The issue of the treatment of Palestinian juveniles in the military court system raises a more fundamental question of child abuse. Why have these teenage boys been recruited to participate in armed conflict?  Should they not be attending school, instead of being exploited to use rocks as dangerous weapons, often with deadly repercussions? A Palestinian elder recruiting their own son in terrorist activities signifies abuse of the highest order.

 

A special juvenile military court operates in the West Bank as until the final status of this area is determined, it is subject to Israeli military jurisdiction. Contrary to Four Cornerspositioning, the two legal systems are divided between Israeli citizens (including Jews, Arabs, Christians and others) living and offending in Israel and non-Israeli citizens in the disputed territories. This is not a division based on race, ethnicity or religion but rather, the Israeli justice system cannot be applied to Palestinian youth in the West Bank as it is still a disputed territory. To apply Israeli civil law to this region would signify annexation, undoubtedly causing international outcry and accusations of a breach of international law. The Australian’s editorial today stresses that the dual legal systems are an administrative and legal requirement rather than any sort of racism.

 

Contrary to Lyons' allegations the system in place is independent and open presided over by professional judges. The fact that Lyons has access to these courts demonstrates the openness of the system.

 

It is important to note that Israel takes these issues seriously and analysis of the Israeli version of events would have shown this to be the case. After consultation with bodies like UNICEF Israel implemented vast improvements and this was even noted in the organization's most recent report issued in October 2013. A special juvenile court has been established to ensure appropriate care of youth in custody. These are important developments that have been excluded from Four Corners' expose.

 

If it is objectively established that youth in detention are not being appropriately treated then Israel should improve its practices. This is something the Israel justice system is emphatically committed to.

 

It is important to emphasize that neither the information nor interviews presented are new, but are simply recycled from an old campaign and in particular an article Lyons wrote for The Australian newspaper back in 2011.

 

The program has presented disturbing images, selectively juxtaposing Israelis with extreme views who represent a very small minority with the testimonies of youth who have allegedly been the subject of mistreatment. In ignoring the context, the violence perpetrated by these youths and those who recruit and incite them, the program severely lacks integrity and balance.

Welcome to 2014, with Valentines Day and Easter just around the corner it is a big season for chocolate. Please retweet our Valentines Day tweets.

Our Easter Campaign will launch on 26th of February and will be targeting Mondelēz and will be encouraging activists to only buy #traffikfree Easter Eggs. Despite the Toblerone campaign last year, Mondelēz have failed to announce a public timeline to certify their entire chocolate range. They are falling behind companies like Mars, Nestlé and Hershey.

Through this Easter campaign we want to send Mondelēz an even louder message that consumers want to eat #traffikfree chocolate. The only way for a consumers to know which chocolate they can eat is through the use of the certification logos (Fairtrade, UTZ, Rainforest Alliance). We will be providing a list of where people can purchase certified Easter Eggs.

Actions will include
1. Online petition to Mondelēz through change.org. The campaign emails will be sent directly to 4 Mondelēz contacts
2. Facebook campaign - encourage supporters to post a campaign message and image on the Mondelēz facebook page
3. A Thunderclap tweet
4. There will be a template Easter card for children and young people to download, decorate and send to Mondelēz.

Our Make Fashion Traffik Free Campaign has had a soft launch with resources now online.

Together we can STOP THE TRAFFIK
Carolyn and Fuzz Kitto
STOP THE TRAFFIK Australia Coordinators

As of Wednesday, 29th January 2014, NCJW VIC Oppe Shoppe hours will be:

Mondays and Wednesdays 10 AM - 4 PM
Fridays 10 AM - 3 PM

We look forward to welcoming old and new friends!

For further information call 9528-1627 during opening hours above, or come see us at 227 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North.

Dear Friends,

I am writing to advise you that it is with regret that the Board has accepted the resignation of Ditta Libson and Rita Hyams as Managers of the Oppe Shoppe (Alice's Treasures) effective 10th January 2014.

We are all of course saddened by this course of action.  We are most appreciative of their dedication to and support of our Organisation over many years.

The shop will re-open when a suitable replacement can be found.

Your support of our Oppe Shoppe has been greatly appreciated and we will keep you fully informed as to the next stage of its operation.  

Yours sincerely, 

Vivien Brass
President
NCJWA (Vic)

Ariel Sharon 1928- 2014

“Myself, first of all I am a Jew. And that is the most important thing for me.” (Ariel Sharon)

The Zionist Council of Victoria will be holding a memorial service for Ariel Sharon z”l, on Sunday, 16 February at 8pm at Beth Weizmann Community Centre.

The community is invited to attend and pay their respects to a former Prime Minister, a man whose life was dedicated to the service of Israel and the Jewish People.

This is an external event. For further information please contact the Zionist Council.

Trailblazing Women and the Law