Addas Israel: Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism
Jillian Segal, Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, welcomed the Prime Minister’s unequivocal recognition and condemnation of the attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.
Jillian Segal
In a statement, she said: “My thoughts are with Melbourne’s Jewish community tonight, as they come together for Shabbat services.
This attack is not an isolated incident but a reflection of a concerning environment where some individuals feel emboldened to act on antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments.
It is critical to recognise that such actions stem from an underlying tolerance or ignorance toward antisemitism. Today’s attack was designed to intimidate Australia’s Jewish community.
We must be clear: today’s attack represents not just an assault on the Jewish community but also an attack on our shared values of safety, inclusivity, and respect.
The rise in antisemitism demands a united response. We need greater understanding of what contemporary antisemitism looks like and the harm it causes. For too long, antisemitism has been misunderstood or dismissed. This has to change.
I call on federal and state governments to take immediate action to adopt and legislate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism. This definition provides a vital framework for identifying and addressing antisemitism in all its forms, ensuring clarity and accountability for hateful acts.
Our vibrant democracy was built on the principles of safety and respect for all. We must stand together against any ideology or behaviour that seeks to undermine these values. It is the responsibility of all leaders, across society, political, academic, and community, to ensure that our nation does not tolerate environments where hate is normalised.
Today’s attack is a call to confront and eliminate the environment that allows antisemitism to persist in our society.
We cannot allow such hateful acts to define who we are as Australians.”
