The Australian Jewish News has axed advertisements for the Australian lecture tour by Professor Jeff Halper of the Israeli Committee against House Demolitions. The National Editor of the Australian Jewish News, Ashley Browne said: “at the request of the publisher we will not accept the advertisements from Jews Against the Occupation.”
Jews Against the Occupation – Sydney is one of a number of groups in Australia supporting Professor Halper’s tour. Vivienne Porzsolt, a spokesperson for the group says: “We are very concerned that the one press medium for the whole Australian Jewish community has taken this action. Yet again, a Jewish leader is seen to be stifling debate on Israel.”
“This is in contrast to the vigorous debate on these issues in Israel.”
“We say members of the Jewish community are entitled to know about the widespread demolition of Palestinian homes by the Israeli army which is an ongoing feature of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Australian Jews are entitled to know of the efforts by Israelis such as Jeff Halper to protect these homes.”
“Jews Against the Occupation – Sydney are confident that Australian Jews have the intelligence to make up their own minds from a range of information and views. It appears that the Australian Jewish News does not share our confidence.”
Released 11 March 2009
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