Friends of Israel WA held its annual general meeting last night (1 August 2024). The event was well attended with representatives of state and local governments, and candidates from both major parties for the upcoming WA State election (tagged below). Reports were presented by the Chairperson and Treasurer, and the committee members for 2024-2025 were duly elected. The AGM’s special guest speaker was WA Liberal Leader, Libby Mettam MLA . During her speech, Libby emphasised that her party’s support for Israel is rooted in shared commitment to key democratic principles. She noted that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, a nation where free elections, an independent judiciary, and a vibrant civil society flourish. As Leader of the WA Liberals, Libby stated that Israel’s democratic values and dedication to freedom and justice align with the very core of her party’s beliefs. Libby recognized Israel’s remarkable achievements in various fields, from technology and science to education and the arts and noted that Israel’s innovations have not only transformed its own society but have also contributed significantly to the global community. Echoing the support of Federal Leader Petter Dutton, who just returned from Israel, Libby stated that her “… Party’s support for Israel is unwavering. It is grounded in our shared values, mutual interests, and a vision for a future where democracy, innovation, and peace prevail. We stand with Israel as a friend, a partner, and an ally, committed to working together for a better, more just world.” With reference to the antisemitism that has been experienced since October 7, Libby pledged to stand against antisemitism “and all forms of discrimination that threaten the security and dignity of the Jewish community worldwide.” During Q&A, Libby was asked many questions. One that stood out was why other states had compulsory Holocaust education, while WA did not. Libby promised to address that serous omission from WA school education. In his report, Chairperson Professor Matthew Ogilvie acknowledged the great work of the committee members and highlighted the many events and activities of FOIWA and asked members and guests to “watch this space” for the upcoming activities of the association. In his closing remarks, Matthew thanked Libby Mettam for her clear, principled, and steadfast support for Israel and the Jewish community. —————————— Friends of Israel Acknowledges the Attendance at its AGM of: Libby Mettam, Leader of the WA Liberal Party https://www.facebook.com/libbymettam Cr Suzanne Migdale,

There have been many events promoted in Australia by Nasser Mashni, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) president. Australians should be aware that Mashni is a person with convictions for kidnapping, violence, and threatening behaviour. Some of events seek donations for “Olive Kids”, an Australian Foundation, founded in 2007 by Mashni, with the following “Partners” (donation recipients): UNRWA employees have also participated in the Hamas Oct 7 rapes, mutilations, abductions, and murders of Israeli residents. Australians must be alerted to the fact that these purportedly “humanitarian” events are effectively supporting terrorism.

14 Jun, 2024 MEDIA RELEASE The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has strongly condemned the desecration of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Overnight, pro-Palestine graffiti was painted on the Australian War Memorial in the nation’s capital. RSL National President Greg Melick said the desecration of the nation’s sacred place would be deplored by all fair-minded Australians. “The vandal did not even have the courage to be identified and the painting of the slogans on the memorial is appalling,” Greg Melick said. “People are entitled to protest, but the defilement of a memorial to those who served, suffered and died in the service of the Australian nation and to protect the freedoms and way of life of all Australians is disgusting and to be deplored,” he said. “This action does absolutely nothing to advance the protesters’ cause and in fact will likely result in a major loss of support. “The brave Australians who have served and died in serving our country in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations over the past century or more had nothing to do with the current conflict in Gaza or the situation confronting Palestinians, and to use our national War Memorial as a platform to protest is contemptable. “On behalf of the RSL and all who have served and continue to serve our nation, we condemn the actions of the protester or protesters in the strongest possible terms. “These shameful people must be apprehended and face the full force of the law. “The desecration of the Australian War Memorial does nothing to enhance the cause of those suffering in the Middle East and offended not only veterans and service personnel, but all fair-minded and freedom-loving Australians,” Greg Melick said.  https://lnkd.in/gYnguUz9

Jessica Evensen, PerthNow – Western Suburbs, November 2, 2023 “If we don’t learn from our history, we’re doomed to repeat it.”The poignant words from RSL WA CEO Vince Connelly rang true as the former Federal MPand SAS soldier helped mark the 106th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba on Tuesdayat a commemoration in Cottesloe.As he explained the events of 1917, Mr Connelly reflected on the current conflict in Israel.“The precise region where this battle unfolded is again meshed in conflict,” he said.“The Middle East has been both a cradle of civilisation, as well as for millennia been abattleground of strategic importance. To read more, please visit Perth Now at https://www.perthnow.com.au/local-news/perthnow-western-suburbs/dignitaries-gather-to-commemorate-106th-anniversary-of-battle-of-beersheba-c-12397624

Matthew C. Ogilvie, Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, Volume 17, 2023 – Issue 1 This academic article is available athttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/23739770.2023.2221549

Decoding a Terrorist’s ConscienceIn extremist Islam, morality is dictated by law.Commentary, by Professor Matthew Ogilvie, The Epoch Times, 17/1/2024Just after the Oct. 7 attacks, world leaders called for peace and restraint. They appealed tothe better judgment and the conscience of all involved.I knew that those words would be wasted on Hamas, because their view of conscience is very different from the one most of us share….To read more, please visit the Epoch Times at this address,https://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/decoding-a-terrorists-conscience-5567485

This genocidal hatred of the Jews predates the creation of the State ofIsrael.Commentary, by Professor Matthew Ogilvie, The Epoch Times, 7/12/2023 In The Art of War, Sun Tzu assures his readers that, “If you know yourself but not the enemy,for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.”That saying rings true in the current conflict between Israel and Hamas.Too many responses to the conflict are rooted in the myth that Hamas’ acts of terror aremotivated by land, politics, and grievances against Israel.But that myth reflects a catastrophic ignorance of the violent anti-Semitism that motivatesgroups like Hamas.This genocidal hatred of the Jews predates the creation of the State of Israel. To read more, please visit the Epoch Times at this addresshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/looking-behind-hamas-recent-motivations-5542818

Dignitaries gather to commemorate 106th anniversary of Battleof BeershebaJessica Evensen, PerthNow – Western Suburbs, November 2, 2023 “If we don’t learn from our history, we’re doomed to repeat it.”The poignant words from RSL WA CEO Vince Connelly rang true as the former Federal MPand SAS soldier helped mark the 106th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba on Tuesdayat a commemoration in Cottesloe.As he explained the events of 1917, Mr Connelly reflected on the current conflict in Israel.“The precise region where this battle unfolded is again meshed in conflict,” he said.“The Middle East has been both a cradle of civilisation, as well as for millennia been abattleground of strategic importance. To read more, please visit Perth Now at https://www.perthnow.com.au/local-news/perthnow-western-suburbs/dignitaries-gather-to-commemorate-106th-anniversary-of-battle-of-beersheba-c-12397624