Adler’s logic about Jews and the Voice is wrong, his attack on other Jews vile

The AJA head was wrong when he implied on Sky News that group rights are not good for the Jews; he was despicable when he said Jewish support was driven by money.

I naively assumed that all Jews intended to vote Yes in the upcoming referendum on the Voice. After all, a central tenet of Judaism is the Torah’s instruction Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof (Justice, Justice you shall pursue).

We also learn that Aharon HaCohen - Moses’ brother and the first High Priest - was known as one who loved peace and pursued it.

Peace and justice are so fundamental to Judaism that an opportunity to right historic wrongs and move in the direction of justice for Indigenous Australians and promote peace and reconciliation between all Australians should be a no-brainer.

However, I should have remembered the old phrase, “two Jews, three opinions”, and realised there would be those who advocate voting No. As such, it should not have come as a surprise when David Adler, President of the Australian Jewish Association, said Jews should vote No.

Before I continue, it should be made clear that the AJA is a private advocacy group. It has no standing as a representative body and does not represent the views of the majority of Australian Jews.

Appearing on Sky News Australia’s Outsiders program on July 9, Adler gave three reasons why Jews should vote against the Voice. I will address each but place my emphasis on his second point.

First, Adler says, “If you put into your constitution that on a race-based mechanism (that) some people will be treated differently to others, that offends the principle of equality.”