Sydney welcome event: Jewish Council of Australia Meet us and meet each other

The Jewish Council of Australia was founded fifteen months 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 to welcome those who want to be a part of a community 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 (Executive Officer), human rights lawyer Emeritus Professor Andrea Durbach, and journalist and author Antony Loewenstein.

The evening will be MC-ed by comedian Jacob Henegan.

After the panel, please stay to nosh (snack) and kibbitz (chat) with us—and you can stay on for dinner at the Rose if you'd like to.

All are welcome. You might consider inviting someone who might be curious about Jewish Council so they can learn more about it.