Election 2013: Pitching for the Zionist Vote

Here's Kevin Rudd's impassioned pitch for the Zionist vote in The Australian Jewish News:

"The Australian Labor Party and the Coalition argue over many policy issues... But some issues should be bipartisan, and I am pleased to say that on the subject of Israel... both major parties are in agreement. The government of Australia supports the State of Israel, not just as an ally , but as a friend. Well before the birth of of the modern State of Israel, Australia has had deep ties with the Zionist dream... The Foreign Minister's recent comments about the international legal status of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories in no way diminishes my government's support for Israel... And it is my view that there is nothing to be gained from politicians publicly debating the finer points of international law in this immensely complex area." (Kevin Rudd's election message)

Typically, while "Labor is committed to supporting an enduring and just two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," it will be "based on the right of Israel to live in peace within secure borders," but merely "reflect the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to also live in peace and security within their own state."

Alas, "Israel faces very real threats beyond those arising from its conflicts with the Palestinians," such as  "destabilisation in the region," and "a nuclear-armed Iran."

However: "Israel also faces threats of another kind from misguided programs such as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign The federal government strongly opposes and publicly condemns the BDS. Our government expects all institutions in our society to behave in a manner that is ethical and appropriate, and Labor has made clear that in its view the BDS is neither."

Finally, while Labor supports Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, "Abbott has stated... his intent to repeal [it]."

Now here's Tony Abbott's, and like his candidate Jaymes Diaz in the seat of Greenway, he's not giving much away:

"The Coalition's traditionally strong support for the Jewish community has been matched by a firm commitment to Israel's security. This reflects our two countries' shared democratic values and the Coalition's strong recognition that Israel is under existential threat in a way that almost no other country in the world is." (Tony Abbott's election message)

Abbott's very impressed with what he calls "Jewish people": "Jewish people have succeeded in Australia because they've never taken anything for granted. Better products, new services, more effective salesmanship, and above everything, relentless curiosity have been the hallmarks of Jewish people in Australia, especially businesspeople..."

Finally, Abbott will "restore the Australia-Israel friendship to the strength it enjoyed under the Howard government."

For the rest, Abbott merely spruiks his Real Solutions Plan.