The AJA was created in controversial circumstances, when its launch discussion event, titled The Threat of Islam to Jews and later renamed Islam and the Jews – Lessons for Australia, was cancelled by two Melbourne Jewish venues. The Beth Weizmann Community Centre said it did not want to be “associated with an event that on its face, seeks to foment fear and hatred” and Leibler Yavneh College cancelled on the grounds of a perceived security risk. On the evening of Sunday September 10th the AJA eventually secured the South Hebrew Congregation for as a venue, triggering protests within the community.
For the edification of the public who criticised this first AJA the video of what transpired at the event.