150 people participate in Israel advocacy “tough questions” workshop

The Zionist Council of Victoria continued its Israel Advocacy activities on Wednesday evening with 150 people attending a workshop entitled “Answering the tough questions about Israel’s Operation Cast Lead”.

Panelists Philip Chester, Jack Chrapot, Leon Orbach, Sam Tatarka and Daniel Aghion discussed more than a dozen questions about Israel’s recent confrontation with Hamas in Gaza which came about as a result of Hamas’ 8 year long attack on southern Israeli communities. Questions posed ranged from issues of proportionality and morality in war, to Hamas’ and human shields, to the way the conflict played out in our local media and on the streets in rallies and demonstrations.

The workshop also included a comprehensive Israel Update presented by Tal Dror, the new Shaliach for the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS).

Moderator and ZCV President Dr Danny Lamm and Information Chair Ian Samuel, said following the event “From the attendance, level of concern and scope of issues discussed, it is clear our community members are passionate and continue to be pro-active in their advocacy for Israel. People want to discuss the issues and hear the answers from community figures who are in direct contact with mass media. The Zionist Council will continue with this important grass roots project and invites anyone who is interested to let us know so we can include them in our activities.”

The ZCV Israel Advocacy Network provides information, develops advocacy skills and provides a peer support network for individuals and smaller advocacy groups around Victoria. Activities include workshops, sessions with guest speakers and seminars. To receive information, email Research Officer Emily Chrapot echrapot@zionismvictoria.org.au and request to be placed on the Israel Advocacy Network database.
For more information contact:
Elly Shalev, Public Affairs Director, Zionist Council of Victoria – 9272 5519
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The Zionist Council of Victoria leads and encourages Jewish and Zionist activity and expression within Victoria, to represent the Jewish community, to promote and communicate Israel’s interests within the broader Victorian community and to promote Victoria’s relationship with Israel. For more information, visit the Zionist Council of Victoria website www.zionismvictoria.org.au