The Jewish Council of Australia was founded just over one year ago to provide an alternative Jewish voice which advocates for social justice, against racism and for Palestinian human rights. We formed partly because of the way in which so many of our Jewish communal organisations have continued to beat the drums of war, ostensibly on behalf of the entire Jewish community, even in the face of Israel’s destruction of all facets of civilian life in Gaza.

We believe that Jewish safety and liberation is intertwined with the safety and liberation of all people, including Palestinians. We see the fight against antisemitism as part of the fight against all forms of racism and we work in solidarity with other racialised groups.

We know that many Jews are feeling isolated in this moment due to the failures of our institutions to recognise or welcome those of us who are opposed to Israel’s destruction of Palestinian life.

This event is welcome to those who want to be a part of a different community, one founded in a commitment to Tikkun Olam (repair of the world), Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life or the value of human life), makhloket l'shem shamayim (hard conversations ‘for heaven’s sake’), and the ethos of social justice embedded in our shared histories. It is an opportunity to come together, learn more about the Jewish Council, and meet other like-minded people.

The event will open with a panel of speakers from the Jewish Council’s Executive and Advisory Committee, including human rights lawyer Sarah Schwartz and historian Max Kaiser (co-Executive Officers) and former publisher and Director of Adelaide Writers Week Louise Adler AM.

The panel will be facilitated by lawyer and podcaster Hannah Baker (From the Yarra River to the Mediterranean Sea ) and the evening will be MC-ed by comedian Jacob Sacher (Promising Young Mensch).

After the panel, please stay to nosh (snack) and kibbitz (chat) with us. There will be music, a silent auction to raise money for Palestine Australia Relief and Action and a Yiddish kvetch, curse and care catharsis corner.

Both Jewish and non-Jewish friends are very welcome. You might consider inviting someone who might be curious about Jewish Council so they can learn more about it.

Time: 4.00pm to 7.00pm (Panel 4.30-5.30pm, schmoozing and entertainment 5.30pm onwards)