Courage to Care Victoria condemns all forms of hate speech
“Racism, antisemitism and hate speech are never OK,” says Courage to Care Victoria CEO Mike Zervos.
Sabrina Chakman
“We condemn all forms of hate speech. We urge everyone in the community to be Upstanders for each other against hate and work towards unity. This message is needed now, more than ever before.”
Volunteer educator Sabrina Chakman said:” My father always said it was pure luck that he escaped the Holocaust, but that he was only alive because of courageous Upstanders. People treated him not as a Jew but as a human being who needed help, and they gave it despite the risk.
“He was enormously grateful to Australia for welcoming him as a refugee in 1949 and providing safety, freedom and opportunity. He loved this country and all its people. This is not the same Australia I have seen this week in my hometown of Caulfield.
“As a retired educator, I know firsthand the incredible and transformative power of education and storytelling to address the dangers of racism and antisemitism, break down barriers, advocate acceptance and inclusion, and transform bystander behaviour into Upstander action.
“Now, as a volunteer, I share my father’s story with school students to demonstrate an extreme real-life example of the consequences of racism and discrimination and how even in the most horrific of circumstances, we can all stand up against discrimination and hate speech.
“I am saddened and scared that the Australia that my father sought refuge in is now not safe for my own grandchild. I am sad that history is repeating itself; the silent majority is standing by, watching hatred unfold in their own backyard.
“It is time for us ALL to stand up against hate speech. In the wake of the Holocaust, we said ‘never again’ – never again is now. “
The 2021 Gandel Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Survey concluded that higher levels of Holocaust knowledge and awareness are directly associated with warmer feelings towards minorities and disadvantaged groups.[1]
Since 7 October, more than 3,500 students have been directly engaged in Upstander Programs. Here’s feedback from a local Primary School.
“We will be rebooking. We have cherished being part of the Courage to Care. Please pass on the thanks of our students and teachers to today’s presenters, the students were, once again, blown away by the stories they heard and the people who presented them.”
We are making a difference one school at a time.
[1] https://gandelfoundation.org.au/gandel-holocaust-survey/
