Seudah Shlishit - following Maariv...

Seudah Shlishit (presumably that is what was meant by "Sevdah" ) after - a very early - Maariv?

Funny mob those Elwoodians...

A few bits and pieces from this week's issues of the AJN

Well, well, well. Who would've thunk it?

After all the warring going on between MP Michael Danby and the editor of the Jewish News, look who made it to the cover this week. Could it be a sign of remorse and repentence for past behaviour? We hope so - but aren't very confident.

Nobody will deny that Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant is hard-working and very active in many fields. But "senior" rabbi!? Isn't he a bit young for that tag? Or is it like our policemen who seem to be getting younger, so too are our 'senior rabbis'?

This letter to the editor had us a bit puzzled.
"Congratulations to the RCV for taking a stance on the issue of non-kosher and poor-quality mezuzos being sold in Judaica shops".

"Congratulations"!? Isn't this what they are all about? In fact some may ask - what took them so long? These passul Mezuzos have been floating around for many years.

The writer continues: "It is therefore encouraging to see our local rabbinate finally taking a stand on this very important issue."

"Finally". Our point exactly.




NO COMMENT REQUIRED

We also checked out our free issue of the Sydney edition and noticed the  following two advertisements:

So now along with advertising chazir treif and mechalel Shabbat establishments, the AJN is promoting Xmas.

But it's not ALL chazir-treif. Read about this new Sydney 'minhag' -après-funeral Kosher catering!

Danby upsets the Jewish News

(Apologies for the delay in posting)

We can't remember another occasion where, following criticism, the AJN expended an entire page to justify itself.

Seems that Michael Danby's private mailing to thousands of constituents describing how the newspaper was censoring or totally disregarding matters of importance, really got under the editor's skin. We suspect that AJN Watch's publicising those details didn't endear us to them either and probably the reason they unleashed Zeddy's donkey upon us this week.

But seriously, it is about time that they realised that they no longer have total domination and control on information to (and about) the Jewish community .

We now live in a world of blogs, websites and other alternatives. J-Wire seems to be picking up and becoming a more relevant. Galus Australis seems to be gaining importance. The weekly circulation of the Hamodia is growing constantly (despite the hefty $6 cover price) with much of the increase coming from the 'non-Charedi' and, surprisingly, even 'non-frum' sector. (Well maybe not really surprising, seeing that their coverage of news from Israel and the Jewish world is 3 or 4 times more comprehensive than the couple of pages that the AJN cuts and pastes from internet sites. And may we proudly add that this humble blog too, is getting thousands of hits every month (1500 this past week alone).

That a newspaper can upset so many sectors of the community is some 'achievement'. But it shows that there are deep seated problems and issues which require massive surgery and serious changes in the way the owners and management operate.

Not that we expect them to do anything. The Jewish News will continue to be the (tax loss) plaything of one rich Jew after another. And when current owner realises what little genuine respect and honour this little hobby brings him (and even less influence), you can bet on him handing over this loss-making operation to the next 'gevir' - another prosperous developer or merchant - with more dollars than sense - to take his turn riding the AJN merry-go-round.

Though it isn't a total disaster for the current owner Robert Magid. Zeddy Lawrence in his wisdom (and no doubt valuing his job or maybe even hoping for a raise) made sure to include his boss in his list of the "50 most influential Jews in Australia".

Now that's gotta be worth some of the lost big bucks and headaches that come with owning such a enterprise.

Another, rarely mentioned loudly, advantage of owning the paper is of course the clout his has when a mate or relative gets into financial or personal doo-doo. That's when the fearless voice of the community, becomes totally shtum. Shah shtill. We won't go any further about that matter at this stage, but it is special benefit that most do no have

What's with the AJN?

Attacking Torah values and upsetting observant Jews has been part and parcel of their modus operandi for a far as anyone can remember. But treating Australian Jewry's leading parliamentary warrior Michael Danby so shabbily is a disgrace and a scandal.

Isn't this the newspaper which purports to be the voice of the Australian Jewish community? (Except, of course, for those Untermenschen who go under the labels of Chareidim, 'frum', observant, ultra-orthodox etc etc).

Danby, by far the strongest supporter of Israel and the loudest voice we have in Canberra is treated with less respect that spokesmen' for groups of nonentities that no one had heard of or give a rats about.

Who is behind this? Zeddy Lawrence the most recent temp to swing through the AJN editorial revolving door, or his paymaster Robert Magid?

And where are the leaders of the Jewish community? Why don't we hear the voices of the ECAJ, JCCV and the NSWBOD? And what about all the machers who overcrowd the 'leadership' positions in our dozens of Zionist organizations? Where is the ZFA, it's state branches, the JNF, UIA and all the others whose  justification for existence (and fundraising) is to support a safe and secure Israel? No one has done or does more for that cause than Michael Danby, but we have yet to see any of this overinflated group of do-gooders comment publicly about the AJN's behaviour.

The execrable and despicable New Israel Fund is, after all is said and done, made up almost completely by a left-wing, Reform-supporting (and supported), anti-religious and anti-Israel clump of the most distasteful types found in the Jewish world. (Eg, see here, here, here, and here). A quick look a their website clearly shows there preference for Palestinians over religious Jews. Read their own words and you too will wonder why they call themselves "New Israel Fund" when "Fund for Palestine" would be the accurate and honest label they deserve.

Yet when those thin-skinned mates of our enemies whined about how their leader Naomi Chazan was (honestly) portrayed to the community, the pages of the AJN were full of apologetics and remorseful contriteness.

But Michael Danby's efforts or feelings? Who gives a toss!

Shame AJN, shame! And shame on our communal organisations and leadership.

Meanwhile the recent comment by Shoshana Silcove on her blog has a certain relevance to this post.

Open letter to Zeddy Lawrence editor of the Australian Jewish News

Zeddy,

While I agree you are most conciliatory to deal with on a personal level, the paper you edit is not very Jewish at all. Does it really represent the Jewish community? Certainly not the majority. The majority is not in favour of gay marriage as a basic human right, nor is it in favour of pandering to Muslim extremists. The Jewish News's reason for existence is not to serve Jews, Judaism, or the Jewish community, but to make a profit, even at all of our's expense, especially the frum. Unfortunately, it's like having a neurotic relative, and we are stuck with your paper as a forum to reach large numbers of Australian Jews with our messages, regardless if it represents our way of life and views or not. Do not mistake our (the silent majority's) reluctant participation in your paper as support of your editorials or perspective.

Ironic you say you feel you were maligned in this blog when you are the editor of a paper that engages in diatribes, specifically against religious Jews, on a regular basis. Remember how the AJN besmirched Rabbi Engel from Adelaide, who by the way was found not guilty of all criminal charges. Why never any front page apology for that? Because he is Orthodox?

Your projection of the death of the Australian Jewish community should cause you to take stock of the paper's direction since the only faction of Jews in Australia that is growing and has a bright future is the Orthodox. Maybe you should stop biting the hand that can and will feed you?

As far as the coverage of Lion FM is concerned, I am happy you printed my letter but, I understand there were quite a number of other letters on my side of the fence that were not published. Still, my letter does not compensate for the biased and one sided reportage of the past year. Come one Zeddy, surely you can do better than this!

Michael Danby - getting up Bob Brown's goat

Michael Danby is obviously doing darn good job. He recent comments about refusing to give his preferences to the Greens in the future - as well as his exposure of some of the nastier and anti-Israel tactics by Green politicians has now totally upset their leader, Bob Brown, who is resorting with threats and abuse.

In reply to Michael calling them "watermelon greens" Brown's angry reply is "lettuce".

Well, let us - lettuce see, Senator Brown. AJNWatch won't be surprised if after the despicable behaviour of so many Greens politicians - especially the BDS-promoting execrable Marrickville Mayor Fiona Byrne and the deplorable Senator-elect Lee Rhiannon - with their shameless anti-Israel views, the Greens vote will drop substantially in all areas. Not only Jewish voters, but most fair-minded decent Australians will be dumping this left-wing rabble.

Meanwhile, all of us living in Melbourne Ports have a duty to support and ensure that Michael Danby retains this seat - with an increased majority - for many elections to come. We should forget party-partisan politics and remember that Michael has been one of our community's strongest and bravest advocates ever and deserves our 100% unwavering support.

THE AGE:  Brown blasts 'nasty' Danby
Michelle Grattan

GREENS leader Bob Brown has fiercely attacked the Labor member for Melbourne Ports, Michael Danby, threatening the Greens could have him out of Parliament and ''growing lettuces''.

Senator Brown struck back after assaults by Mr Danby on the Greens, including at the weekend when he repeated he would have them pushed down the ticket in Melbourne Ports because of their policies.

Senator Brown told The Age his advice to the Greens in Mr Danby's seat ''would be to look at not directing preferences next time - and he'll go''.

''He needs to know that he's not some sort of arbiter of Liberal-Labor consensus on how to get rid of Greens. He might find himself going out the back door faster than he thinks … He'll find himself growing lettuces.''

The Green candidate in Melbourne Ports at the 2010 election, Sue Plowright, had received a ''huge'' vote, Senator Brown said.

At the last election Mr Danby had a primary vote just over 38 per cent, while the Liberal candidate received nearly 38 per cent and the Greens nearly 21 per cent. He received Green preferences. While most Green voters give preferences to Labor anyway, in a close election getting formal support could be critical.

Senator Brown said some of Mr Danby's recent comments had been ''really nasty and uncalled for''. Mr Danby recently likened the controversial Green from NSW, Senator-elect Lee Rhiannon, to Elena Ceausescu, the wife of the brutal Romanian dictator.

The incoming senator has advocated an Israeli boycott. Mr Danby, who is Jewish and represents an area with a big Jewish presence, is strongly pro-Israel.

The Greens decide on preferences at a local rather than a national level. Senator Brown said he would not be directing the locals but advising them.

Mr Danby said last night: ''I won't be bowing to this pressure''.

He was very surprised at Senator Brown's comments - he did not think Senator Brown would join with Senator-elect Rhiannon in making what were effectively political threats.

''I won't be backing down in saying some of the Greens' policies are too extreme'', such as their advocacy of death duties and the reduction of aid to non-government schools.

He believed he could survive without Green preferences. ''The Greens will find me like the wombat on the Hume Highway - the wheels will bounce every time.''

Julia Gillard is truly a rachmonus. Imagine your life or career depending on the support of such a rabble.

Michael Danby - battling the "Hellenists" in New Zealand

Michael Danby, by by taking a very public stand on behalf of the Jewish community of New Zealand against an allegedly corrupt Minister, has again confirmed that he is a courageous and fearless champion for the rights of Jews (and indeed other minorities) not only here in Australia - but anywhere in the world where their freedom to practice their religion is under threat.

How fitting that his most recent combat is taking place during Chanukah - the festival that celebrates the victory of the Jewish nation over the Hellenists of old whose intention was להשכיחם תורתך ולהעבירם מחוקי רצונך.



On behalf of Jews everywhere, Michael, we thank you, we salute you and we are proud of you!

Danby said if the allegations against Carter were proven, his decision was "unethical and discriminatory.”

“What kind of minister would sell out his countrymen to foreign powers because he secretly thought it would be of some commercial advantage?" Danby asked. “In Australia he would be driven out of public life. That’s what Prime Minister John Key should do with Minister Carter.”

Carter, who denies the allegations, declared the ban on shechitah on May 27. Jewish leaders filed a lawsuit against Carter that was due to be heard Monday in the High Court in Wellington, but on Nov. 26, lawyers for Carter agreed to allow the kosher slaughter of poultry, averting a potentially embarrassing legal showdown between the Jewish community and the Kiwi government, whose leader, Key, is the son of a Jewish refugee.

No deal has yet been struck on lamb; kosher beef will likely have to be imported from Australia.

The Jewish community argued that the ban was a breach of New Zealand’s Bill of Rights. Shechitah has been carried out in New Zealand since 1843.

So who knocked down Michael Danby?

What a difference 24 hours makes in politics!

It was only yesterday that we reported our Mike standing outside Caulfield Shul - so proud and upright in the centre of Inkerman Road being a traffic hazard (warning?)

Less than 24 hours later Danby is knocked out – together with the KEEP LEFT sign.

So who was it?

An AJN Watch reader with Liberal tendencies - or could it be one of the old ALP “tomato left”? (Though we’d be surprised that too many of those read this blog.)

If anyone witnessed the accident (or “accident”) please drop us a line.

And we thought that Danby was from the Right...

Seen outside Caulfield Synagogue

Postal voting - an AJN Watch tip (plus our endorsements)

The Federal election will take place in a few weeks (to be followed closely by State elections). As always it will be held on the Shabbat. Many observant voters are unaware that in addition to applying for a postal ballot before each election, they have the option of registering as a "General Postal Voter" which results in their automatically receiving ballot papers in the mail for all future state and federal elections.

It is a great service and of immense value to all of us. It is quite easy to forget to apply for a postal vote and risk being fined for not voting. We strongly urge everyone to register all members of their family and to forward this information on the others in their community.

For further details click here.

For general information about pre-poll and postal voting see the Electoral Commission website.

At the same time, in the spirit of Hakorat Hatov, AJN Watch strongly endorses the incumbent candidates in the 2 electotates with the largest Jewish populations.

Both Michael Danby (Melbourne Ports) and Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth) deserve our full support and appreciation for all their efforts on behalf of the Jewish community. We wish them Hatzlacha Rabbah.

AJN sourcing stories from AJN Watch?

Judge for yourself.
                                   AJN WATCH 16 APRIL 2010

                                           AJN 23 APRIL 2010

Not that we mind. Not at all. Far better that they repeat our articles then most of the stuff that they produce themselves...

Michael Danby exposed!

The Malaysian media has exposed MP Michael Danby as being "pro-Israel"!
Who would've thunk?

What's their next scoop? That the pope is a Catholic...?

Is Michael Danby's graphic artist a Liberal plant?

Sure seems like it.  (Hat tip - James)

Shouldn't the headline read: "Why the relisting of terrorist groups affects our security" ?

Actually the entire 4-page supplement looks like it was cobbled together by a few unsupervised high-school kids (which may have indeed be what happened).

But what really caught our eye was the "rogues gallery" at the bottom of the page (see above)! How the heck did he, Brendan O'Connor and the good professor end up in a terrorist line-up?
Could it be that our Mike has a Liberal saboteur or plant in his Fitzroy Street bunker...?

(Oh, and by the way, the professor's name and school are misspelled.)

China's leaders shivering in their boots

One has too feel sorry for China. Battling violent protests, earthquakes, floods - and now our Michael. As we all know Danby has beaten all comers until now and there is not reason to think that the result willl be any different with China.