In support of AIJAC

I write to express my dismay at the ongoing spate of letters criticising AIJAC for dissociating itself from Dr. Israeli's lecture series. Normally I would have refrained from engaging in public correspondence on this matter but the involvement of Dr. Danny Lamm, President of a communal roof body, (which I headed for 6 years)  is most disturbing.

The key issue here is not the relative merits of Dr. Israeli's views. Nor is it the question of his right to express these views in writing or at a public forum. Rather, we ought examine the wisdom of Jewish communal roof bodies providing sponsorship for such contentious views.

Our communal leadership can't have it both ways. If they purport to represent the community, then they must accept the responsibility of this in all its manifestations. True, it can be argued that AIJAC does not necessarily subscribe to the views allegedly expressed by Dr. Israeli. But this is hardly the point. We need to be very cautious, especially relating to such sensitive issues, in creating 'perceptions' of the Jewish community's position. It is insane for the Jewish community to be perceived as lobbying for immigration restrictions directed at one particular sector of the Australian population. This is both morally repugnant and politically stupid.

It is hardly relevant if the views expressed are in keeping with what most Jews may privately think. Let these thoughts be expressed in the privacy of our homes and at intimate gatherings. Or let them be aired in public by the various non-denominational think-tanks that support such views. But we should not give them our collective imprimatur. For them to be promoted under the banner of our Jewish communal roof bodies, will hamper our effectiveness in articulating the Jewish case on the very issues that are of legitimate concern.

For the record, I do agree on one particular point raised by the attached correspondents. Namely, that consistency demands that sponsorship for Melanie Phillips' forthcoming lecture be withdrawn. I've read Ms. Phillip's book, Londonistan, and frankly, it is irrelevant what my personal views are on that work. What is relevant, however, is that her views are well known and no one can hide behind the excuse that they were not aware of the likely thrust of her presentation. For our communal roof bodies to collectively provide a forum for airing such views would be counter-productive in the extreme.

I therefore urge AIJAC to act consistently and to do all possible to maintain its standing as an effective lobby group for the interests of the Jewish community in these troubled times.

John Baker is a former President of the State Zionist Council