Australian Jews seek reassurance on Qantas-Emirates deal

[Violet_Crumble]

Hi all. I come in peace bearing stuff from Australia. This article's from back in November, but this has got a lot of media attention here over the past few weeks as the change kicks in about now.

Sydney – A new partnership between Australia's national airline Qantas and Emirates Airlines is causing turbulence in the company's relations with the Jewish community, prompted by fears for the safety of Jews and Israelis who purchase seats on the "Flying Kangaroo."

The 10-year deal, announced in September, will mean Dubai will now replace Singapore as the major hub and layover spot for customers flying to and from Europe.

As part of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai prohibits Israeli passport holders from entering its territory. The UAE and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations.

Dr. Danny Lamm, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, and his chief executive, Peter Wertheim, are scheduled to meet Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce in Sydney on Wednesday amid ongoing concerns about the partnership.

http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-features/australian-jews-seek-reassurance-on-qantas-emirates-deal.premium-1.477375

Since then, there's been consultation and reassurances from QANTAS, but I don't trust a word that comes out of Alan Joyce's mouth. If even one passenger gets singled out for different treatment because they're Jewish, then that's one passenger too many, imo. This got me to wondering about the Arab League boycott of Israel, specifically when it comes to Jews or Israelis who want to travel to any of those countries. A DUer I've grown to respect over time has told me they know that Saudi Arabia at least bars Jews from entering the country, and I'm now thinking that the Arab League boycott of Israel, while not only being stubborn and misguided, might at times veer into the ugly territory of antisemitism.

Here's a more recent article about the QANTAS/Dubai issue

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/dont-kiss-dont-swear-rules-of-a-dubai-stopover-20130326-2grsc.html

I'm going to x-x post this in the Middle East group, btw

[Downwinder]

1. Qantas is a flag carrier. As long as you stay on board

you come under Australian law. Jurisdiction changes when you step on the jetway.