The Wire

This week a group of prominent Jewish Australians launched a petition calling for more alternative views to be heard in the Jewish community about the conflict in the middle east. It follows a similar move by British Jews last month and is part of an international drive to challenge communal leaders’ unquestioning support for Israel. Signatories say while they do not all hold the same views on what policy should be, they are united in their support for a more open and comprehensive debate But Jewish groups say it is totally unnecessary and alternative views already have forums in the community. The Wire spoke to members representing both sides of the debate, starting with journalist, author and petition signatory Anthony Lowenstein.