Harold Zwier
“Harold Zwier has had a longstanding interest in civil debate and constructive dialogue. Although he works in the computer industry as a software engineer, his real interests are in ideas, politics, the Jewish community, interfaith dialogue and writing. He is a committee member of the Australian Jewish Democratic Society (AJDS), an organisation that takes a more independent line in matters affecting the Jewish world. "
Harold's recent articles
21 August 2025
Leunig cartoon: Antisemitism or valid political comment?
This article was originally published in The Age in November 2012. The republishing of the Leunig cartoon in Pearl and Irritations brought my article to mind.
8 October 2024
One year after 7 October: statement by the Australian Jewish Democratic Society
If any lesson can be drawn at this dismissal juncture, it must surely be that violence engenders violence ...
14 August 2024
Zionism, Zionists and Jews
Understanding the complex relationship between Zionism, Zionists and Jews seems to defeat many of Israel’s critics in articles and opinion pieces. This article explores Zion and its connection to land and to Judaism and its more modern day forms.
18 April 2024
Why Australia should recognise Palestine
Formal recognition of Palestine by Australia and other allies will not, of itself, resolve the conflict, but it will lead to a political climate that helps to balance the relationship between Israel and Palestine and will push both towards a resumption of face-to-face negotiations. We urge the Australian government to maintain its support for Israel, for Palestine and a negotiated settlement to the conflict through recognition of Palestine.
26 January 2024
Rejecting Palestinian sovereignty sets a path for future conflict
We believe that recent statements by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejecting the possibility of Palestinian sovereignty, effectively sets a path for Israel in which future conflict with Palestinians is inevitable.
8 November 2023
Israel and Palestine – the pain increases hour by hour
The land the Palestinians dream about returning to is no more, and the land that Israelis dream about possessing forever has turned into an immoral and unsustainable nightmare.
10 October 2023
Australian Jewish Democratic Society statement on Hamas attacks
The Australian Jewish Democratic Society (AJDS) unreservedly condemns Hamas for its attack on Israel. 250 young people killed at a music festival is a massacre. That action and hostage-taking of civilians are war crimes.
25 August 2021
Identifying antisemitism is not always clear cut
The Jewish community's awareness of the threat of racism and antisemitism is longstanding. That awareness extends across political boundaries and is part of a general desire to live in a cohesive society, tolerant of diversity.