How did the Australian Jewish Left Respond to the First Wave of Pro-Palestinian Activism from 1967-75?

Journal article

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In Journal Issue

Australian Jewish Historical Society Journal, 26, 3 (2023)

Author(s) Philip Mendes AbstractDuring and following the 1967 Six Day War, many groups within the international Left abruptly shifted their position on the Middle East conflict from either pro-Israel or rela­tively neutral perspectives to overtly pro-Arab alignments. Yet, progressives remained substantively divided, particu­larly between those who endorsed the Palestinian demand to liquidate the State of Israel, and others who still supported the right of Israel to retain national sovereignty. Similar divi­sions existed within Jewish Left groups globally. This article examines the struggle by key figures within the Australian Jewish Left – particularly Norman Rothfield and Henry Zimmerman – to resist the extreme anti-Israel agenda. Attention is drawn to their key arguments and strategies, and also to alternative perspectives presented by other local Jewish Left figures.
Year2023
Pages363-379
Keyword(s)Jewish Left;Israel;Palestinians;Norman Rothfield;Henry Zimmerman