Australian Jewry is sharply at odds with the government over whether Australians should cancel trips to Israel because of the danger of it being embroiled in a Persian Gulf war.
Jewish leaders, maintaining it is never more important than now to demonstrate solidarity with Israel, are urging individuals and groups to go to there immediately. Organizations planning meetings in Israel are being exhorted not to cancel them.
But the government is sending the opposite message.
A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Jim Dollimore, confirmed that all Australians in Israel have been advised to leave in view of the repeated threats by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to use devastating weaponry against Israel.
The department has also requested prospective tourists to alter their plans. It noted that the families of Australian diplomatic staff and “non-essential personnel” are being evacuated as the Jan. 15 deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait approaches.
AIR SERVICE COULD BE REDUCED
“Australians should be aware that in view of increasing tensions in the region, it is possible that scheduled commercial air services to some countries could be reduced or suspended. Demands for available seats may be strong.”
The government’s warning was addressed to the approximately 13,000 Australians in 10 Middle Eastern countries. About 10,000 of them are in Israel.
Mark Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said that to his knowledge, “no Australians living in Israel are considering leaving because of tensions in the Gulf.”
He said he will depart for Israel this week to join other Australians on solidarity missions.
A senior delegation of Australian Jews also confirmed plans to visit Israel in the first week of February.
Their tour was originally coordinated with the plenary meeting of the World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem, but the American-based WJC decided to postpone it and hold its Executive meeting there instead.
Australian Jews consider it imperative that Jewish leaders all over the world make an extra effort to show solidarity with Israel.
Gerry Levy, member of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, has written to every organization and prominent community personality to participate in the solidarity mission.
Isi Leibler, a vice president of the WJC and former president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, argued that it is a matter of the “mutual survival” of Israel and other Jewish communities for Diaspora Jews to visit Israel.
“Jewish organizations — even in Australia, crazy as it might sound in view of the distance involved — should make an effort to hold meetings in Israel,” Leibler said.
Habonim, the largest Zionist youth movement in Australia, confirmed that it will be sending members on Israel programs. It noted that its Israel programs in the past were not deterred by Middle East wars.
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