The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) sure did stir up a lot of complaints to The Echo, given their inflammatory and inaccurate statements in their page 5 advertisement last week.
There is no evidence that Hamas is responsible for all Gazan deaths, for example, and the rest of their claims around the Middle East peace process are contested – at best.
But that’s free speech.
It’s easy to say you support it, but harder as a publisher to actually follow through with it.
So who are the AJA (www.jewishassociation.org.au)?
Despite claiming they do not affiliate with any political party, their members are linked to far-right-wing think tank IPA, and the Liberal Party.
AJA tweet Jan 17
On January 17, the AJA tweeted their Echo ad with the statement: ‘Byron Bay is known as a hot spot for left-leaning activist types. The local paper, The Byron Shire Echo, is widely read and often contains anti-Israel content. AJA decided to take out a half page ad and share some facts. The ad was generously facilitated by Michael Burd. What do you think of the AJA ad?’
Well here’s what we think:
The AJA is an organisation that should not be taken seriously, because it only promotes one-sided warped and dangerous views.
It is simply untrue to imply that Israel is an innocent bystander/victim in the unfolding clusterfuck.
Their ad appeared designed to divide rather than inform.
Unlike most mainstream media, The Echo is independent and contains a range of views from its readers and contributors.
Saying The Echo ‘often contains anti-Israel content’ is like saying that those who criticise Israel are anti-Semite, or are ‘self-loathing Jews’.
As a society, aren’t we past such stupid school-yard bullying?
The AJA appears more aligned with war-mongering types, like Israeli PM, Bibi Netanyahu, than with those seeking genuine peace.
Netanyahu has forged a hard-right coalition to remain in power, yet faces much criticism from within Israel over his attempts to curb the powers of the judiciary, for example. Netanyahu also faces court on charges of corruption, and it appears he needs this war to stay in power. There is no two-state solution with Netanyahu.
As for Australian mainstream media (especially Newscorp), they appear ‘state captured’ – that is, they take paid junkets to Israel and subsequently write favourably about Israel’s policies.
By contrast, Israel’s own media is often critical of its government, and there appears more freedom to report without fear or favour in Israel than here in Australia.
ABC journalist, Antoinette Lattouf, was recently sacked after posting a Human Rights Watch video describing Israel’s starvation of Gaza civilians. It’s alleged that the national broadcaster took action after complaints from ‘Jewish lobbyists’.
The Echo is not aligned with either side of the Israel and Palestine conflict.
It’s all too easy to shoot the messenger.
Instead, genuine attempts at peace are required by ‘leaders’ if this intractable ongoing disaster has any hope of resolution.
The Australian Jewish Association (AJA), like any extreme organisation on both sides of this conflict, are not helping that cause.
Hans Lovejoy, editor
Hans, an advert is NOT freedom of speech… it’s paid propaganda. Israel has been accused of genocide. That’s the most serious crime of humanity… Should the mass murderer be given a public soapbox before their trial? Especially when the world press stays mute? Let’s talk about the crimes of Israel, not just give those with the most money a megaphone!
Well written, Hans.
Frankly I didn’t see any inaccuracies in the ad whatsoever. If Hamas had not attacked Israel, all of those Gazans would still be alive. There was infinitely more bullshit in those ads you ran every week for the Byron Business Association (or whatever they called themselves) last year, re the proposed holiday let limits. But if you’re going to start censoring advertisements… wow.
Bother !
I missed the AJA advert.
Congrats to the Echo for accepting it for publication it though…
Hans , I applaud your fairness in publishing the add we all know you [ and your Mr G Smith } would be ideologically opposed to and also your balance in publishing the letters on both sides , I really do thank you . However you let your guard down badly trying to convince us that yourself and your paper are balanced on this very contentious issue , if any independent person read your Editorial that could easily have been written by your Palestinian representative Mr Smith or some other Palestinian activist it hardly shows balance thats for sure. Talking about shooting the messenger attacking AJA BTW by social media count the largest Jewish Org in Australia, its President Dr David Adler featuring on a regular basis in your much hated SKY News and The Australian media . I challenge you to debunk by facts not opinion point by point the statements made in the ad . Lastly without going into the long history of the dispute the root cause of which was and still is the Refusal of the Palestinian Arabs to accept the Umpires decision i.e approx 75 years ago Resolution /Mandate 181 One state for the Arabs one state for the Jews . The Palestinian Arabs could have easily had their own state long ago [ albeit a failed state like most other Arab states] if they would have abided by the UN which BYW Australia voted for ,even you could surely not disagree with this fact ?. If the Islamists in Gaza who broke the Truce with Israel on 7/10 would have returned the Hostages and stopped their daily rocket attacks on the 8/10 surely you agree very few Gazans and IDF soldiers would have been killed , am I wrong to presume this ?. I am still puzzled why Hamas supporters do not preface their demand for a ceasefire by first demanding Hamas return All [ not some] Hostages and stop their daily rocket attacks in order for the Israelis to pull back .Do they really think it is logical or practical for only Israel to take part in a ceasefire whilst Hamas keep the Hostages [ and from what we are hearing directly from those lucky released Hostages with sworn testimonies the women being raped on a daily basis and children and babies Molested] and Hamas keep firing rockets at Israeli civilians , really ?
A significant Israeli population in the region so no surprise the AJA is trying to throw it’s weight around. Criticism of the outrages perpetrated by the Zionists in Israel is conveniently equated with anti-semitism, lets be clear Judaism and Zionism are two entirely different things.
One is a religion, the other an excuse for the invasion, and suppression of a population. Many Jewish people are highly critical of the gross injustice being perpetrated in Palestine. I do not excuse the events of October 7, but it didn’t happen in a vacuum, “blow back” is a predictable consequence of the actions of Israel and some of it’s citizens over many decades.
AJA in this case are just behaving like a bully, don’t fall for their lies and misdirection.
Nice ‘proportionate’ response ECHO, drop your over inflated ego Netanyahu. If Israel had of delivered the two state solution that Australia supports this war would not be happening.
Paid ad is not freeddom of speech. Its lies and hate speech. The echo should NOT have taken the money, they should NOT have printed it. What ever happened to fact checking? Will you also print scams if they pay you? This is similar but much worse, it’s a murderous scam.
Every side should be given a public soapbox. Let them have as much rope as they need. The more they talk, the worse they are making it.
Independent and a range of views indeed.
How’s that story you promised on the Covid-19 vaccine injured coming along?
Or would you rather leave that alone just as Govt and big business prefer.
I wonder how many are dead because they were convinced Bill Gates was putting microchips in the vaccines – or were convinced by some other anti vax conspiracy theory.
We are not allowed to provide you with the relevant information with links to the government sources. I will simply point you to the submissions to the inquiry for terms of reference for the COVID Royal Commission. The truth is coming out as the deaths quietly continue.
Know anyone who regrets not taking the jab versus how may regret taking it?
The latest science paints a very different picture Liz on how safe and effective the jabs aren’t, particularly the more you have.
Mandates were/are completely ridiculous, as is your statement, which is also very callous toward those who were injured. Shameful and nasty, but the Tyrant$ would be very proud of you.
Consider asking for a dose of compassion to be included in your next injection.
You have a bit of a tendency to go all ad hominem Stevo!
Any medical intervention has its risks and benefits. I have compassion for those who had adverse effects from vaccines as well as those who had adverse effects because they were denied or refused access to it. I just don’t think you should consider one without the other.
I think there are some who might regret not having the jab who now can’t tell you about their regrets because they’re dead. And it’s not a nice death I’m told.
I’m quite grateful having access to the original jab and boosters. I have had one dose of Covid 19 which, despite my advanced years, proved to be very mild. Despite being freely out and about and various waves of the virus I 🤞haven’t had a subsequent infection. No proof that’s all because of the vaccines but I too looked at the data and made my choice. No regrets!
I endorse everything Hans wrote.
So did I but I was completely Censored, go figure.
Cheers, G”)
More Palestinian Fake News this just issued from the UN
‘ International Court of Justice rules Israel must prevent genocide, issues no demand for ceasefire’
Once again as the Ad explained if Gazans would have pressured Australian recognised Terrorist Org Hamas would have handed over All the hostages mainly women and children , stopped their daily rocket attacks , on the 8/10 there would be very few Gazan and IDF deaths , there can be no excuses for this irresponsible Non Action by Palestinian Gazans !
If you Zionists are so psychic as to know what Hamas would or wouldn’t do in a given situation, then you should have seen the attack coming. Your hasbara doesn’t even convince your fellow tribesmen, let alone the goyum.
Someone in your neighbourhood steals a car, so the cops rubblize the whole block. Only makes sense to a talmudic mind.
Do you not think stopping the death of one child in Gaza every ten minutes, killed by the Israeli bullets and bombs, is a little more important than your advert? You just have to take your finger off the trigger. It’s Genocide… look it up.
Truth hurts eh?
Can a discussion open up as to if and why Jewish settlers are allowed to settle annd build into what is supposed to be Palestinian land ?
Is this land for palestinians or not?
Can someone who knows please offer an explanation?
In addition can we see more footage of how the land is divided up and maps that clear this up for the readers.
Also if Hamsas ( as has been suggested) have a network of tunnels which shelter terrorists and supply lines for food and weaponry- could we see actual footage of these?
Meanwhile can someone who knows inform us as to what aid and refuge other Arabic countries are offering to Palestine- and why is aid food water and medicines so slow getting to the people who need it in Palestine.
Are the Israelis occupying Gaza at present if yes could we have more info?
Have the Palestinian government been offered peace talks in the last week?
Have the Israelis located all the weaponry and perpetrators firing into Israel?
Can the UN and Israel and the Arab nations join together in a huge peace force /make up a peace task for overseeing the ceasefire and care of the injured and starving?
At the same time restrain and call to order those who continue to fire on Israel and ruin any further peace talks.
First feed and care for the people. No one will talk peace if they and their families are starving and wounded .
Comments and information required please. I look forward to more facts being aired so a real insight into what is happening innIsrael and Gaza can be gained.
I’d welcome reading more facts about this ghastly conflict.
Where are my comments hans ?
Linda I have tried to respond to most of your questions
Answering your questions in order Linda
Over 75 years ago in 1948 the UN declared by a worldwide Vote One state for the Arabs and one state for the Jews this was resolution 181 in which Australia supported. Up until 1948 the country Palestine was made up of various Arab tribes and Jews i.e in 1938 for instance the Palestinian International soccer team was made up of all Jews.
The Palestinian Arabs refused to accept the Umpire decision and literally days after this official UN resolution all the surrounding Arab countries in tine Millions attacked the fledging 600,000 Jewish state and remarkably won. To this day the Palestinian Arabs and all the other Arab and Muslim Neighbors refuse to accept the UN resolution and are trying to turn back history .
https://www.britannica.com/topic/United-Nations-Resolution-181
Re Hamas Tunnels Please google ‘Hamas Tunnels ‘ built with international aid funds specifically to hide Hamas terrorists not to protect Gazan citizens
There is plenty of film footage of these tunnels many of which go under Hospitals schools and even UN facilities using these as shields.
NO other Arab countries want the Gazans they prefer to give money instead
For instance in September 1970 Jordan kicked out the them Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and all his Palestinian terrorists , Egypt has erected a huge wall between Gaza and Egypt to keep the Palestinians out and Lebanon keep Palestinians in camps outside Beirut refusing them Citizenship all this because the Palestinians cause too many problems .
In contrast the Jewish state have a Policy that they will accept all Jewish Refugees from all over the world no matter what color of their skin or Nationality because the Jews look after their own even though Israel is one third the size of Tasmania and unlike the Arabs has no Oil income or wealth.
Israel Left in Gaza in full 2005 up until 7/10 there was not one Israeli boot on the ground .Yes there is a blockade obviously when Palestinians are bringing in so much arms and weapons along with concrete to build tunnels Israelis etc obviously this Blockade is not working efficiently as the Gazans manage to still smuggle arms and weapons to kill Jews however if they were not doing this there would be no need for a blockade, Hamas are the only ones in charge of Gaza .
Hamas have not offered to hand back All the hostages or agreed to stop their daily rocket attacks against Israeli civilians Hamas have made it clear they prefer for the war to keep going to try to outlast the Israelis with the help of the international community, it seems to be working in their favor and a recent poll shows Gazans support Hamas aggression.
Israelis have discovered and found massive weaponry in the tunnels and in Government and UN facilities however there are so many tunnels and so much weaponry around Gaza Israelis are unable to destroy it all.
The International community are trying to broker a peace settlement et however Hamas refuse to hand over all the Hostages and refuse to stop firing Rockets Hamas have also made it very clear they will continue to stage attacks like the terror attack of 7/10 so there appears to be no reason for Israelis to change their mandate ie get back hostages and destroy Hamas .
The recent UN court case did not demand a ceasefire from Israel it demanded Hamas return all hostages now .
It is only Logic Linda in this war fo Israel to Pull back for Hamas to return all not some Hostages stop their daily rocket attacks and more important announce they will not carry out any more attacks and agree to peace talks similar to how Israel settled their disputes with Egypt and Jordan former enemies. It can be done be require both side to want it !
Barrow, some of your comments I suspect are a little like mine, they don’t fit the Echo’s lefty green guidelines. Just remember, your comments have to be green’s friendly, how dare you have a differing opinion. Never disagree with Mandy, David or Hans if you want your comments published. Funny how the green conforming comments are always published, would one be correct in suggesting they are a little biased?. Echo, your moderators should be relieved of their duties and replaced with people that are fair and unbiased, at the moment it’s a one way green leftyfest, so, so, sad and uninteresting..
David Anderson .. i do not see the ABC as being
Bias ..not one Conservative employee
at the ABC …the ECHO ? Same same
so Greg the left lecture regarding Tolerance
Acceptance .. etc…that’s a joke right !
Although the Echo do let most through
Which is commendable …were are my latest
Comments Hans ? 🤣
So what about the advertorial agreement that the Greens have had in place with the Echo for decades, holding the Northern Rivers back from business and commercial development. Can’t wait to see the party’s political donations and spends when they are published. So for now try and find a contentious article on the Greens anywhere on this website. Good luck!
Because of the Greens political advertising spend with the paper the Echo runs all of Sue Higginson’s dribbling press releases on logging in full with no counter comment from government or industry. The Echo has done hundreds of stories on the NSW timber industry over the past year and when did they actually speak to a local sawmill operator? LOL Freedom of Speech in Australian press. Surprise me and publish this comment hey Echo.
Peter Dawkins, thank you for your eloquent comments. So true, I have been in by own awkward way trying for some time to say exactly what you have presented, we keep pointing out the injustice only to be ignored and harangued by the green disciple’s. Please follow up with more comments Peter, God knows we need some balance in the great Echo land.
Hans, I commend you for responding to the criticism and putting the add in the first place.
This is a tenuous unsaid sort of topic that should not be, but it is nonetheless.
Being 3rd person to this should afford us the abilities to look beyond and see things from a less fight or flight response.
This will not be like previous conflicts, the world is watching and religion will not dictate war ensign.