ADC vs ABC

A SONG broadcast on ABC Classic FM has drawn the ire of the B’nai Brith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) for content it says endorses genocide and the destruction of the State of Israel.

Hosted by Margaret Throsby, Midday offers guests the opportunity to share their stories and request musical pieces that are significant to them.

On Monday, February 25, Egyptian writer and political and cultural commentator Ahdaf Soueif was Midday’s guest, and selected Jerusalem, Flower of Cities by Lebanese singer Fairuz as the final song to be played.

The Arabic lyrics, in part, go as follows: “The striking fury is on its way, and I am full of faith! The striking fury is on its way, and I will overcome the sadness.”

ADC chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich told The AJN that the song “denies the Jewish relationships with Jerusalem … [and] speaks of ‘striking’ the Jews, which is a poetic synonym for killing them.”

Abramovich has since written to Throsby stating that Jerusalem, Flower of Cities “anticipates and prays for the destruction of the State of Israel”.

“It gives credibility to all those who deny any Jewish right to the land of Israel,” he said. “While I understand that the ABC seeks to respect the choices made by its guests for musical items, I must assume that it has guidelines in this regard. I am sure, for example, that it would not play a song calling for the destruction of Australia’s indigenous people.”

The ADC is yet to receive a response from the ABC, but Abramovich hopes the broadcaster will issue a sincere apology.

Meanwhile, the ABC has responded to a “please explain” issued by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ).

The letter, submitted by ECAJ executive director Peter Wertheim, addressed a radio interview with anti-Zionist journalist Antony Loewenstein.

An ABC spokesperson told The AJN: “In accordance with the ABC’s complaint-handling procedures Mr Wertheim’s concerns are being reviewed by Audience and Consumer Affairs, a unit which is separate to and independent from ABC program areas. The role of Audience and Consumer Affairs is to investigate complaints alleging that ABC content has breached the ABC’s editorial standards.”

PHOEBE ROTH

ADC chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich.