Category: Jewish

Ilan Kidron supports Marriage Equality

Lead singer of The Potbelleez, Ilan Kidron, has declared his support for marriage equality: “I believe that everybody should be able to make the same decisions about marriage. As long as same-sex couples are denied the right of marriage, their relationships will be considered second-rate and they and their families will be pushed aside. Not so long ago, the union of rich and poor, black and white, was outlawed. So why, when our society has come so far, do we still not let love be love? The Government must do the right thing and allow all Australian couples to enjoy equal opportunities under Federal law. We are a so-called free country. People are people. Love is love.”

Ilan Kidron
Ilan Kidron, lead singer of Potbelleez

Roy Freeman, founder of J4ME (the Jewish Community supporting Marriage Equality), welcomed Ilan’s support. “It’s great to see high-profile members of the Jewish community showing their support for marriage equality. Many people only hear the one-sided views of a small number of Orthodox Rabbis who continue to deride homosexuality. Thankfully those Rabbis are a small (but vocal) minority. The majority of our community supports civil rights, including marriage equality for same-sex couples.”

Progressives to embrace far-flung Jewish Victorians | AJN

 

2 Dec 2011
The Australian Jewish News Melbourne edition
PETER KOHN

Progressives to embrace far-flung Jewish Victorians

PJV will extend a hand to the GLBT community.

VICTORIA’S Progressive Jews will further broaden their scope to welcome those who feel detached from the Jewish community.

At the annual meeting of Progressive Judaism Victoria (PJV) on Monday, president Philip Bliss outlined a threepoint outreach program to be rolled out in the next year.

An outreach committee is being formed to extend a Progressive Jewish voice to fringe areas of Melbourne and to regional Victoria, with plans to raise awareness of PJV in Melbourne’s outer suburbs and in the Geelong area, as well as enhancing Kehillat Sdot Zahav, the nascent central Victorian Goldfields congregation.

PJV will also extend a hand to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and will run educational workshops for rabbis and volunteers on the most effective ways to build bridges with it.

PJV will establish a presence on Victorian university campuses to provide an alternative Jewish resource to Chabad.

Reflecting on PJV’S first year of operation since it was reconstituted from the old Victorian Union for Progressive Judaism, Dr Bliss stated: “Next year will be most exciting in terms of getting on with our projects.”

At its annual meeting, at the King David School, the Progressive roof body welcomed Lior Argaman, the new PJV shlicha who arrived from Israel with husband Didi and son Adam. Argaman was previously based in Jerusalem where she directed the shnat program of Netzer Olami, the international Progressive youth movement for three years.

Special guest was recently retired Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) president John Searle, who is the new chair of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC).

He outlined the highlights of his JCCV presidency, emphasising his aim of “bringing in Jews who are outside the tent”, and spoke about the JCCV’S work with Jews formerly from India.

Developing guidelines for constructive interfaith relations, and combating racism and anti-semitism, specifically the Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions movement, were also priorities of his JCCV presidency, he said.

During that time he forged new links with police, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, state ministers, and VEOHRC.

Searle said one of his aims as VEOHRC chair will be to find increased communal support for refugee children.

Keshet fundraiser Midsumma event: Mother/SON

Progressive Judaism Victoria invite you to their Keshet fund-raiser evening on January 18 2012 during the Midsumma festival.  Half of the proceeds of this evening go toward the Keshet program, to benefit GLBT people in Victoria.

See the flyer below for details or check out the event on Facebook.  More details of the event on the Midsumma and Theatre Works sites.  Note, you must book directly via PJV if you want to assist the Keshet fund-raiser.

Mother Son Flier

John Searle: No regrets, just pride and gratitude | AJN

18 Nov 2011
The Australian Jewish News Melbourne edition
JOHN SEARLE
John Searle is the outgoing president of the JCCV.

No regrets, just pride and gratitude

VIEWPOINT

THREE years ago, I was elected president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV). While I’d been involved with that and other organisations for more than three decades, I nevertheless felt the transition to being the voice of the organisation that is the “voice of our community” to be a serious responsibility. Being required to fairly represent the multitude of opinions of our diverse community is perhaps “mission impossible”, and certainly a significant challenge.

Photo: Peter Haskin Top man: John Searle (centre) with Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu (left) and Zionist Council of Victoria president Sam Tatarka.

During this time, many people have asked me the burning question: “Why”? Now I am greeted with “Aren’t you happy it’s over?” or more positively “Are you glad you took it on?” These are all versions of the same question and point to the hesitation of many to take on voluntary leadership roles within our community, or in other not-for-profit endeavours.

For me, the why was never in question: I believe in the importance of our community being united, strong, respected and having self-respect. I am passionate about Jewish continuity and determined to play my role, in whatever way I can, rather than leaving the responsibility to others. The real questions were only where and how.

Without dedication, commitment and passion, without fire in your belly, you can’t be an effective leader in any field. Being a community leader makes you community property. You will – whether you want it or not – receive praise, advice, criticism and even abuse for decisions or statements you make. I take that as evidence that people care about the community, and that they also want to have their say.

Whatever I may have given through these past three years, I feel I’ve received so much more in return. There is a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that I, together with my organisation, have made a difference in a positive way, not just for people in our community but beyond as well.

On the way to the AGM in 2008, my daughter warned me in no uncertain terms that I was not to lose the election … particularly as I was the only candidate!

I smile at this recollection for two reasons. First, this year there is a contest for the positions on the JCCV. I see this as a great success. In the three years of my term, interest in and attention to the JCCV has increased both outside and within the community, and many good and talented people are keen to become involved.

Second, this memory brings into focus that date, the ideas, plans and visions I had. We have achieved much in three years, tackling difficult issues within our community and between our community and others. From GLBT, youth-alcohol and interfaith issues, to working with government, police and other organisations on matters such as Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, the JCCV is in the forefront of Jewish affairs in this state.

As I step down from this role, I do so with a feeling of great pride and gratitude to the community for trusting me to be your voice and your leader. I urge you all to take your ideas and use them for the community’s benefit – as a leader or volunteer in an organisation that fits your passions.