September 1, 2003 - September 11, 2003
Professor Eytan Gilboa – Professor of politics and communication at Bar Ilan University, had a hectic schedule of speeches, workshops and interviews during his recent visit to Australia and New Zealand.

Get the message right, and get the message through – Professor Eytan Gilboa’s visit

Professor Eytan Gilboa – Professor of politics and communication at Bar Ilan University, had a hectic schedule of speeches, workshops and interviews during his recent visit to Melbourne.

His clear articulation of the elements of the Road Map, its requirements for progressive implementation of commitments at each phase before moving to the next phase, and his considered and articulate views on the future of the plan were greatly appreciated by his forum audiences.  As well as addressing a community forum in English on the topic “The Road Map – Detour, Dead End or Highway to Peace”, he was the guest speaker at the newly established Haverim group, which, under the auspices of the State Zionist Council, caters specifically for the Hebrew speaking sector of our community. This inaugural Haverim event attracted an audience of over 70 people.

Professor Gilboa also conducted a series of workshops, including one for the Israel Advocacy Network established by the SZC, which also involved Arnold Roth, former Australian whose daughter Malki was tragically murdered in the Sbarro Pizzeria bombing. Professor Gilboa gave strategies and ideas to the 50 network members on how to advocate for Israel, in the media or in discussions, based on his considerable experience in speaking for Israel on television, radio and in the press.

A professional development workshop for Jewish communal professionals led by Professor Gilboa was a highlight of his schedule. He also addressed a faculty meeting of 60 academic staff at the University of Melbourne, and visited two of the Jewish Day schools where he addressed senior students.

“We considered it important to expose a professional of this high caliber to as many groups as possible” remarked SZC President, Dr Danny Lamm. Whilst his schedule was hectic, he was able to take his important message to school students, youth, Hebrew speakers in person and to the general public through radio interviews”.

Professor Gilboa was brought to Australia by the Zionist Federation of Australia, and hosted by the State Zionist Council of Victoria.

In Auckland, New Zealand, Professor Gilboa gave an interesting, informative and persuasive lecture, explaining that currently his focus of research is on different forms of media communication. He discussed how the western media presents Israel as the oppressor and Palestinians as the oppressed in all types of media coverage we see, whether on CNN, BBC, print media etc. Furthermore, he talked about what the future may hold for Israel and possible solutions for the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Those who attended definitely got their money's worth - including a "free Palestine" protest in front of the hall, which didn't bother Professor Gilboa at all, and left feeling very informed and entertained.