From ABC to Project A

Former ABC video editor Elahn Zetlin is travelling to Israel this month as part of Project A’s advocacy training mission, after resigning from the national broadcaster over what he says was its failure to engage with the Jewish community.

Zetlin’s departure from the ABC followed the organisation’s silence on his proposal for a community engagement program with Jewish representatives.

“They had done similar programs with other minorities,” Zetlin said.

“I was met with silence.”

He has since turned his skills towards Jewish advocacy work.

“I’m meeting people and working with Jewish organisations to say, here are my skills and talents within video production and video editing, but also my real desire to want to be there and be of service to the community,” he said.

Project A, a grassroots Jewish organisation formed after October 7, is running the mission to connect participants with leading Israeli professionals and advocates.

The program includes intensive training to equip participants with practical advocacy skills and visits to the Nova festival site to meet with survivors and family members.

Zetlin hopes to bring back skills for meaningful dialogue about the conflict.

“Hopefully, whatever I can take from this trip, through people I meet, through what I can see and experience with my own eyes and ears, I’ll be able to bring back a better understanding, to then be able to engage with people who might have differing opinions and views,” he said.

“We need to find ways to say to other people, you’re scared and upset, so am I. Let’s see our shared humanity. Let’s see what connects us, rather than divides us.”

Since leaving the ABC, Zetlin has found purpose in serving the Jewish community.

“I want to devote my energies to what I can do for the Jewish community, because that’s my family. It’s where I feel the greatest sense of safety and security.”