Swastikas and anti-Semites
What’s wrong? Sian Powell, The Australian, February 13:
The University of Sydney has fired academic Tim Anderson following his use of swastikas overlaid on the Israeli flag in teaching material and on social media. Dr Anderson … (is appealing the decision noting) “A minority report by Dr Neil MacLean found … no serious misconduct.”
What’s wrong? International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, May 26, 2016:
Working definition of anti-Semitism …. Using the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism … to characterise Israel or Israelis. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis. Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.
Not the first time. sydneystaff4bds.org, May 19, 2018:
Last month, 37 staff at the University of Sydney made Australia’s largest ever public commitment to boycott Israeli academic institutions. That figure has now grown to 57.
Supporting swastikas on Israel. J oseph Verity, Honi Soit, February 12:
An online petition to reinstate Anderson has already begun to circulate.
Free speech. Change.org, Open letter supporting Tim Anderson:
The freedom to voice and explore individual ideas and perspectives, regardless of their subject matter, is an essential pillar upon which all just societies are upheld.
Not free speech. Sydney University Students’ Representative Council megaphone.org.au
We strongly oppose … (any) collaboration between the University and the Ramsay Centre of Western Civilisation … (which) aims to give academic respectability to racist ideas under the guise of celebrating “Western Civilisation” and its supposed supremacy.
All they are saying is give Hizb ut-Tahrir a platform. Frank Chung, Daily Telegraph, May 4, 2015:
University of Sydney staff have argued for ISIS supporters, including controversial Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir, to be given a platform on campus “to express their anti-Semitism” in the name of free speech.
Hizb ut-Tahrir’s Ismail al-Wahwah wails against West. Geoff Chambers, Daily Telegraph, October 2014:
The spiritual leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia — … will make a speech in Lakemba tonight attacking … Australia, as it fights the Islamic State terror group … Al-Wahwah — a staunch critic of Israel — supports revolution to overthrow non-Muslim countries or regimes backed by the West.
Hizb-ut Tahrir’s Wahwah wails for West. Elias Visontay, The Australian, February 2:
The lawyer of the spiritual head of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Australia (Ismail al-Wahwah) has lashed out at the Australian government for failing to intervene after a Jordanian court sentenced the controversial cleric to a year in a maximum-security prison …
An explosive temper, a short fuse or just very boring? Adam Carey, The Age, February 12:
Four gigantic tunnel-boring machines … have been named after “groundbreaking women” … The first … (is) named in honour of former Labor premier Joan Kirner … The tradition … reportedly dates back to the 1500s, when miners and military engineers prayed to Saint Barbara before using explosives.
Maggie tweets February 12:
Bit like Harold Holt swimming pool. Victoria does it best.