A Distant Affinity: The History of Australian-Jewish Relations

Publication Date: January 2007

Publisher: Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

Author(s): Colin Rubenstein; Tzvi Fleischer

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Government; Culture; Diaspora relations; International Relations

Type: Report

Coverage: Israel Australia

Abstract:

The authors assert that the relationship between Australia and Israel is more intense, ongoing and politically important than might be expected between two countries of the sizes and distance apart of the two countries. This relationship is driven, the authors contend, by the influence of the small but significant Australian Jewish community, and a level of affinity between Israelis and Australians in terms of similarities in culture, national outlook, and personalities. The authors review the history of Australian-Israeli relations from the Yishuv (pre-Statehood Israel) to the year 2000.