By Marcelle Mansour
The Australian Palestinian Community Commemorated the 68th Anniversary of Al Nakba, together with the Celebration of the 2015 Australian Palestinian Graduates.
The General Union of Palestinian Workers and Australian Palestinian Graduates Association held a Ceremony in honor of the Palestinian University Graduates and the HSC Achievers in 2015, under the patronage of H.E.Dr. Izzat Abdul Hadi, the Ambassador of Palestine to the Commonwealth of Australia. On Sunday, 15 May 2016 in Candle Light Reception Lounge. The event also coincided with the date of commemoration the 68th Anniversary of AL Nakba meaning catastrophe.
Distinguished guests attended: Julia Finn MP -Australian Labour Party Member for Granville NSW,  Lee Rhiannon MP – The Australian Greens Senator for NSW,  Mr Jihad Dib MP- Parliament of NSW -Shadow Minister for Education,  Mr Paul Lynch MP - Parliament of NSW Member of the Legislative Assembly Member for Liverpool Shadow Attorney General Member of the Australian Labor Party,  Mayor Khal Asfour - Clr of Bankstown City Council,  Associate Professor Jake Lynch - Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) at the University of Sydney,  Prof Peter Manning Professor of Journalism,  Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed – Grand Mufti of Australia, the Secretary General of Fatah Abdul Kader Karanouh, and expert of Australian Palestinian Affairs Eddie Zananiri, Artists and Academics, Various Cultural  and Islamic Associations and Political Parties Presidents,  Media Representatives and a crowd of families and friends.
 The ceremony began by playing the two national anthems of Australia and Palestine. Followed by welcoming the attendees with introduction and a poem about Palestine recited by student Rola Alian, then a video displayed a brief history of the occupied Palestine.
The function was highlighted by a creative piece of performance titled “Al Nakba Suitcase “and was acted by Saleh Saqqaf  (Broadcaster and Actor) on the sound of Oud music played by the MC. Mr Jamal Alyan.
Speeches delivered as follows:
Abdul Hadi, Ambassador: In his speech H.E. stated: " Al-Nakba marks all our lives and it remains with us". Palestinians always remember the sad expel of their home land and it remains with them until justice and freedom will take place. These wonderful young achievers are the future of the Australian-Palestinian community spanning the globe who will transform loss into victory.
Mr Monir Mahajinah delivered a political speech in Arabic, in his own wods: "Tonight, we are not here to celebrate Al Nakba, rather to commemorate Al Nakba and raise flags and slogans. Three strategies are required:  firstly, is Unity, secondly to strengthen the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on the ground, such as education and other things, and thirdly, resistance to the new generations. We cannot achieve independence, without our will and persistence and, embracing the Holy Stone.”
Lee Rhiannon MP who has visited Palestine and has seen the refugee camps said the Nakba day is a sad day to Palestinian people who were taken away from their home. But time has come to achieve justice, and the 21st century will witness that Palestinians will return to their land, “especially here we are celebrating the success of new generation, your voice of Palestine will act as a challenge, it is about commitment of people working together.” She said.
Paul Lynch MP:  expressed his support to the Palestinian Community on Al Nakba Day commemoration of Palestinian exodus forcibly displaced from their homeland in1948 and their right of return through justice and ending occupation. He also praised the high achievement of young generation.
Jihad Dib MP: “There is a lot of connection between Aboriginals and Palestinians… Israel built the wall, but would not kill the spirit of Palestinian People… The fight of Palestine is the fight of what is right to return the land that was taken away from them… It is an honour to celebrate the achievements of young Australian Palestinians… Live Australia and Live Palestine.”
Jack Lynch: who has been a Director of of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney stated that the process is about the continuation of academic research. He praised the Palestinian graduates who came from Gaza and have excelled in every unit. Lynch was proud to see the very first graduate of Master Degree (Mr Shamik Badra) from Gaza on scholarship and he mentioned that the university will support more students from Gaza in the near future.
The event concluded by delivering appreciation awards to the Parliamentary members for their continuous support to the Palestinian cause: Julia Finn MP, Jihad Dib MP, Paul Lynch MP.  As well as members of the Palestinian community where the Ambassr Dr Izzat Abdul Hadi presented a shield  - on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) – to The General Union of Palestinian Workers in Australia, for their tireless work of serving the Community. The shield was received by President Ibrahim Ishan, followed by Palestinian community members who received appreciation awards were: Lama Hammouri, Ibrahim Ishan, khader Sultan,  Mahmoud Sultan,  Akeel Sultan, George Dabbagh, Mr Eddie Zananiri ,  Maher Morqabala, Ahmad Qasim for Council of Australian Palestinians. The Ambassador of Palestine Dr Izzat Abdulhadi also delivered achievement awards to 53 Palestine graduates of HSC, Master and PHD.

By Marcelle Mansour

This year has marked the celebration of the sixteenth Anniversary of the Miss Lebanon Australia Beauty Pageant, held on the 1st of May 2016, at the Dalton House Pyrmont, in the presence of The Hon John Ajaka MLC on behalf of the NSW Government, distinguished guests from the Australian Arabic Communities, Media Representatives, majour sponsors, families, friends and many other supporters.

Mary (Mariam) Mehajer (18 years) was crowned Miss Australia Lebanon 2016, one of former deputy mayor, Salim Mehajer's sisters. Miss Mary Hakim (aged 22) came in as first runner-up and Miss Jessica Nercessian (aged 21) as second.

The nine Contestants were presented with gifts by the event sponsors and were awarded titles as follows: Jessica Francis (20) as Miss photogenic, Mary Hakim (22) Miss Elegance, Jessica Lahoud (18) Miss Style, Priscilla Rached (22) Miss Model, Rebecca Noun ( 23) Miss Personality, Rose Boustany (19) Miss Natural, Jessica Nercessian (21) Miss Swimwear, Safaa Ammoun (23) Miss Confidence, Mary Mehajer (18) Miss Congeniality.

The ceremony began with the Australian and Lebanese anthem, and both of Ms Nisreen Nasif and Mr Joe Chaar performed the Master of Ceremony (MC).

The Minister Ajaka delivered a speech praising the contributions of Australians of Lebanese background in the Australian society and stressed his support to Miss Lebanon Australia Beauty Pageants.

Great Speechs were also delivered by both Miss Lebanon Australia Beauty Contest 2015 Winner Miss Nicole Rizk and Miss Lebanon Australia Beauty Contest 2014 Winner, and Miss Lebanon Emigrant 2015 Miss Cynthia Farah.
Joseph Khoury spoke at the ceremony and thanked Mr Antoine Maksoud, the President of Miss Lebanon World Emigrant Committee, the Hon Mr Michel Faroun, the Minister of Tourism in Lebanon for their excellent support. He also thanked the Panel of judges, Monie & her team, sponsors and all those who contributed to the success of this regular event and has helped in the past years and present.

The entertainment program event included a marvelous performance by the Comedian /Actor John Khodair and beautiful songs by Shauki Deeb and his daughter Miram Deeb (guests from Lebanon), singer Nemer Melhem, and the Australian Vocalist Simone Waddell on the sound of creative music by maestro Patrick Najem.

The Pageant has been achieving a tremendous success over the years and proved to be well received in Australia. It will lead the winner of the crown into The Miss Lebanon Immigrant to be held in Lebanon.

Congratulations to the crown winner and the first and second runner up.  Congratulations to Mr. Joe Khoury the Director of Miss Lebanon Australia for continuing to serve and celebrate the heritages and the cultural values of the Australian Lebanese Community.

By Marcelle Mansour

Arab Council Australia (ACA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and launched the Strategic Plan 2016-20120, on Thursday 31 March 2016 at ACA Bankstown.  In the presence of: The Honourable Mr David Clarke MLC- Member of the Legislative Council-Parliamentary Secretary for Justice and representing the Minister Hon John Akaka-for aging-Minister for Disability Services-Minister for Multicultualism; His Excellency Mr Ahmad Ait Issa-Minister of the Embassy of Morocco Canberra; Superintendent Dave Eardle-Commander Bankstown Local Area Command; Ms Melissa Johnston-Principal of Granville South Creative & Performing arts high School; and Ms Don Issa-Dupty Principal of the same school. 

More than a hundred people of Council members, guests, and heads of organizations, business owners, writers and artists, media representatives and community supporters attended the function.

Marcelle Mansour (Visual Artist and Writer of this article) performed the Master of Ceremony (MC). She gave an elaborate introduction about the Arab Council Australia’s history, and reflected on the efforts made in the past years. Marcelle explained how she is connected with this dynamic organization and its people for a long time, and described how the Council has grown significantly over the years and has taken new directions and initiatives that are responsive to the changing community environment. 

The event commenced with the launch of Council’s Strategic Plan 2016-2020 by the honourable David Clarke MLC, then the reconvened the 2015 AGM. The first part was held on 16 December 2015. On 31s of March 2016 was the second part of the 2015 AGM and Council reconvened it to present the full report about Council’s activities and elect a new Board and to launch Council’s new Strategic Plan for 2016 - 2020. Hopefully the Council will hold its AGM 2016 in the final half of this year.

Summary Reports were prepared and delivered by The Chairperson of Arab Council Australia, Ms Fatima Ali, before and after the Strategic Plan Launch, followed by the Treasurer Mr Amir Salem, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ms Randa Kattan. After the adoption of 2015 Annual Report, The election of the new Board of Management was conducted, overseen and reported by the Returning Officer, Dr Emad Berro, Pathologist and Microbiologist. 

The Hon Mr. David Clark MLC, spoke about how the Arab Council Australia has carried a heavy load in recent times, especially in the time of the increasing number of the Australian Arabic Speaking Communities who came from the most civilized culture of the world.  For the Arabic world is the cradle of science, medicine, astronomy and literature. In literature for example, Gibran Khalil Gibran is the third most widely read in the history after Shakespeare and Lao Tzu. Arab Council always welcomes and caters for everybody in need regardless to origin or religion.  The Hon Mr. Clarke also expressed his delightfulness for viewing such a great comprehensive strategic plan which has an inclusive clear vision and properly filled of fine details. The Hon Mr. Clarke congratulated Arab Council for their remarkable achievements and inclusiveness.

Ms Randa Kattan CEO, talked about the achievements and the challenges faced by the Council during the past years and the council efficient performances towards the objectives and goals.   She stated that Council has proved to be playing a significant role in presenting the interests of Arab Australians and in providing various services to the community. It is also worth mentioning that, Randa has been recognized as one of the top 21 Influential Women in 2015. Ms Kattan thanked and congratulated the staff and the Board for the commitment and hard work over the past year, looking forward to further achievements from this Council in the upcoming year and beyond. 

The audience were entertained by displaying a video of performance that was presented by the talented students of Granville South Creative & Performing Arts High School. Participants received token gifts of appreciation that say “Thank You”, including the Hon Mr. David Clarke MLC, Ms Melissa Johnston-Principal of Granville high School, Dr Emad Berro and Marcelle Mansour.

Marcelle took the opportunity to congratulate the staff and the new Board and thanked everyone who came along.

Refreshments were served and the event proved to be very successful due to the dedicated organisers, professional participants and wonderful attendees.

Contemporary Australian society is characterized by cultural diversity and openness to the world.  Australia has proved to be successful in its commitment to the preservation of multiculturalism, and therefore we see Australia shows more sympathy and interaction with humanitarian issues and oppressed peoples than any other countries in the world.
Australia adopted the application of contemporary social philosophy based on the principle of multiculturalism or cultural diversity since the early seventies, which replaced the policy of “White Australia” or “Anglo-Saxon”.  Australia accepted and absorbed immigrants from all different countries around the world, of diverse races and nationalities, religions and cultures, in the hope of integration into the Australian society and expecting those cohorts of immigrants to become an active part of its ingredients.  Not surprising, if we know that Australia today has more than 220 ethnic origins speaking 225 different languages that all compose cultural diversity.  This undoubtedly requires all to live in peace and mutual respect for others within the atmosphere that allows freedom, democracy and equal opportunity, as a means to promote harmony among all people irrespective of their religion and ethnicity.
On the other hand, the Australian government expects from those ethnic communities to loyally respond, by acting real good citizens and being able to engage and adapt in today's new Australian nation, and making positive contributions to building their new home Australia.
With the worsening of conflicts in the Middle Eastern countries, and the emergence of extremist fundamentalist groups, and terrorists, we have witnessed an increase in the fissures between ethnic communities in general, and the gap began to widen in the whole one society, even among Muslims themselves. At present, there are some indicators that draw attention to the emergence of extremism in some places like schools and centers of prayer, and also to the rapid growing of extremist ideology. This growing phenomenon is observable in the number of young (teen agers) Australians who want to travel abroad, to Syria and Iraq to join the ranks of terrorists of Daash. It has already become a concern to the security authorities in the country, which compelled to suspend their actions from traveling outside Australia or return to it.
Therefore, we (Australians) firmly believe that there is an urgent need to re-examine the social, political and cultural aspects, including educational and religious curriculum, as well as recognizing the importance of arts, literature and music to bridge the knowledge gaps and to bring communities together. That is why it has become more important than ever - in this turbulent era - that we certainly need a radical change, in terms of having the ability to rethink and to be more creative, in making new collective efforts to revise the curriculum in terms of religion, citizenship and humanity in order to build mutual trust, and to give hope to young people, to achieve security, harmony, love and peace.
It should be noted here, to highlight the importance of the Australian Arab solidarity in this area, and how much we need to have a moderate responsible leaders of Arab origin, especially if we know that the number of Muslims and Christians constitute together more than half of the world's population (%55).  It is certain now that a great part of the world’s future will depend on the success of interfaith dialogue between religions, in order to effect transformation in the human mentality and to make the change occurs at both the individual and collective levels, to what be recognized as suitable to our contemporary time.
Talking about our contemporary time, may raise more than one question: How can transformation happen? Transformation of what? Transformation to what? Why? How can we change? How can we move from old thought to new thinking? How is it possible to remove the old black extremist thought and make rebirth of moderate bright one? Are these ideological thought which prevail at present will shrink the concept of cultural diversity, and perhaps will be phasing it, especially some community members tend to stick to the traditions of the mother country at the expense of Australia's new home? This is followed at a later question?
How has the Arab community affected the Australian society in terms of cultural diversity? And how they interacted and to what extent? And if so, was it positive or negative impact? Has the Arab community in Australia brought about contemporary thinkers/theorists/ scholars/ philosophers to discuss the concepts of "freedom" or "democracy", "justice,", " equality "," respect for others ", for example? How to defeat terrorism ideology? Or talk on the issue of absorption of the concept of "contemporary”?  So much need today to innovate , to rethink for foreseeing a new vision that can take the goodness of both (old and new) and recreate them in a new mould, like producing  fresh juice,  that is suitable to nourish the emerging contemporary generations.
Australia has always lead the way to drink from cups that full of important and necessary concepts in our lives, such as high values that already mentioned above, and we have to work together to blend this new juice with the contemporary spirit . This will enable us to shift from backwardness to progress, from freeze state to dynamic. We can weave a new fabric of thought to fit our present time, and to produce a new mixture of juice to drink, until it becomes a new blood runs in our veins, and grow in our bodies, and renew our minds and our souls.

By Marcelle Mansour
I attended the seminar of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2016, which was hosted by the Universal Peace Federation Australia (UPF) , during the Ambassadors for Peace bimonthly meeting at the Oceania embassy in Sydney, on Monday 1st February of this year, with its slogan of “Interfaith in Action: Working Together for the Common Goods”.
 As we know, the United Nations has designated the first week of February of every year to be the World Interfaith Harmony Week. It is worthwhile to mention here a bit of history - for the sake of knowledge – that the World Interfaith Harmony Week has been proposed between religions for the first time in the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2010 by His Majesty King Abdullah II, King Jordan. Then the United Nations decided unanimously on October 20, 2010 to be celebrated since then onwards in the first week of February, that is (1-7 Feb) to be known as “World Interfaith Harmony Week”. The aim is to simply initiate mutual understanding and effective dialogue between religions as a way to promote harmony among all people regardless of their religion.  It began harbingers in 2007, where Christians and Muslims leaders were called on to engage in the primary two common core religious commandments dialogue; the love of God and love of neighbor, for These commandments are the hub of the three large monotheistic religions without prejudice to any of their own religious principles. Thus providing a solid foundation for joint action on love and cooperation among people of goodwill and promote a message of interfaith harmony in churches and mosques around the world, and synagogues and other places of worship, on a voluntary basis in accordance with the religious traditions of their own cultures. This will hopefully encourage and help these groups to be aware of each other, and promote the movement of construction through mutual relations that far outweigh their differences, thus providing a strong dose of peace and harmony in their communities.
I would like to express the extent of my admiration to all the speakers who addressed the importance of  the topic that began with the UPF president Greg Stone’s words – with the UPF Introductory Video - where he said: "Our presence here as ambassadors for peace, we come from all over the world in order that we encourage one family of all religions under one God, to seek together towards goodness and unity and break down barriers, for all religions should work together to address the issue of conflict and achieve peace in the world.
Dr. Greg Johns, Vice Director of Soak Gukkai Internatioanl Australia and manager of their Peace, Culture and Education portfolio, delivered a significant speech explaining the vital role of the Buddhist religion in peacemaking, and responsibility entrusted to us towards each other and towards humanity as a whole, that go beyond the extremism towards our interests and work to help others, particularly that depression issue is a big problem in this country and other countries. Buddhism has long been celebrated as a religion of peace and non-violence always aspiring for the need of achieving higher humanism in respecting individuals and people through the symphony of heart to heart dialogue that share the suffering of others through connecting together and bringing friendship respect. This followed by the speech of guest speaker Ms Anne Lanyon, from the Columban Mission Institute Centre for Peace, Ecology and Justice and the Faith Ecology Network, where she spoke about the urgent goals in regards to the religious traditions of mutual engagement of the environment, its defense and protection.
Ms Aila Wilitts, MC made the welcoming remarks with her calming presentation and the event was closed with peaceful musical presentation.
I attended the bimonthly meeting as usual, and liked the subject and its content. I was also surprised with the attendance of the high number of audience including the Ambassadors of Peace who have come from various backgrounds except of the Arabic ones.  The fact of the matter is that we, the Australian Middle Eastern are the ones who really with the most in need of this kind of knowledge for many reasons. For I believe that our presence is beneficial to encourage and promote this kind of topics and functions.
Undoubtedly, mutual understanding and dialogue among all religions and beliefs constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace as a way to promote harmony and cooperation among all people irrespective of races and religions, especially we live in the midst of political and religious crises, intolerance, terrorism, social, humanitarian troubled and other problems in this puzzling era. It is important to participate in the multiple aspects of the broader discussion, for the convergence in the exchange of views, and dissolving dissonance in different views, may help to promote the method of approach to understanding and respect between religions and generations, and to accept the ‘other’.  This will work on healing the wounds of violence, and also healing the rift between religious and sectarian groups. It will certainly work to challenge the risk of cultural conflicts, to change our lives for the better, and to build peace in the world.

By Marcelle Mansour

 A Genuine Warm Cheers for the Celebration on the Palestinian National Day annual function, organised as usual by Mr Albert Jubian, President of the Council of Australian Palestinians, held at the Parliament of NSW, Jubilee Room on Wednesday, 11 November 2015.  In the Presence of the Senator the Hon Bob Carr, former Premier of New South Wales and former Australian foreign minister (Labor NSW), H. E. Mr Izzat Abdul Hadi-Head of the General Delegation of Palestine to Australia, the Hon John Ajaka MLC MP - Representing Mr Mike Bird, MP, the Premier of New South Wales, the Mr Luke Foley MP-the Leader of the Labour Party in NSW, Mr Jihad DIB MP-Member of the Lgislative Assembly/ Member of Lakemba, Ms Julia Finn MP- Member of the Legislative assembly/ Member for Granville, Prominent political, diplomatic and academic, Media Journalists, various community leaders and public officials as well as a crowd of the Palestinian community members.

The ceremony started by playing the two national anthems of Australia and Palestine. The Hon. Peter Thomas Primrose introduced all the speakers.   

The Hon John Ajaka MP spoke a word on behalf of the Premier Mike Bird MP and said that multicultural Australia has 220 ethnic origins who speak 225 languages. Around 1 in 5 Australians were either born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas. Communities are embracing our diversity and differences to be able to unite, to live in harmony and to build a mutual respect to be able to develop communities of shared values. The Minister Akaka mentioned that he himself is of Lebanese descent and he strongly support the common goal of achieving an independent free Palestine and encourage the two-state solution.  

The Hon Luke Foley MP mentioned Edel McKenna, his Irish-born wife whom he married in 2005. As they making trips back and forth to her farming family in County Tyrone, he saw her neighbour raising the Palestinian Flag for several times. He certainly knows how important to be committed to solidarity and supportive to freedom and justice. The MP Foley declared that he issued orders to Labour MPs to visit the occupied Palestinian territories if they need to visit Israel, stressing that the Palestinian people are suffering from injustice at the hands of the Israeli occupation that kills Palestinians including young children. 

Former Australian Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Bob Carr, who has regularly been attending the Palestinian National Day commemoration for decade’s remains very supportive to the Palestinian cause, and concerned by the failure of negotiations and finding solution and recognising the Palestinian rights. Carr stated that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory in the West Bank and Gaza Strip that has lasted for 48 years and the peace process for more than 22 years. On May 15, during the Nakba, Zionist forces exiled 750,000 Palestinians from their homes, committed 31 slaughters, and destroyed 531 Palestinian towns. Carr has made it clear that he is completely against the Israeli policies of apartheid, ethnic cleansing and illegal settlement. The reality of the situation now is that 500,000 settlers will never depart, rather Israel aims to achieve their goal of greater Israel and Israelis are opposing a Palestinian State solution. Carr, the patron of Plaestine, noted the inevitability of Palestinian resistance. 

The Ambassador Izzat Abdulhadi made an extensive speech in which he thanked the audience in celebrating the Palestinian National Day, and stated that Palestinians mark their National Day on November 15, the anniversary of the Palestinians' unilateral declaration of independence proclaimed by Yasser Arafat in 1988 where he reaffirmed the declaration of independence of the State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital, the right of the refugees to return and the right of self-determination. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the passage of the immortal Palestininan leader Yasser Arafat passed away on the 11thof November 2004 and today, the 11th of November 2015 also marks the Remembrance Day National Ceremony of the Australian War Memorial.”  We are paying tribute to the selfless struggle of all. The Ambassador Abdulhadi spoke about the persistent struggle of Palestinian people for freedom and justice despite the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, their ongoing demolishing Palestinian house and expansion of existing illegal settlements, their violent attack on Gaza and Jerusalem and Netanyahu keeps hindering peace process. There are formal agreements between the Australian government and the Palestinian Authority; in particular the Labour Party has issued a decision to recognize a Palestinian state, hoping that Australia will join the 140 nations who have already recognized Palestine as a state whom Palestinians feel grateful to their support. The Ambassador Abdulhadi highlighted the ability of the Palestinian commitment to tirelessly working towards the support of Palestininan statehood during the current difficult times and to be determent and hopeful in the future. 

The distinguished speakers, who always do their best efforts to focus on the Palestininan human rights and freedom, delivered significant speeches.  They shared their views, experiences, analysis and hopes to the Palestininan cause. 

The event ended with gathering for a drink, socializing and networking.