Faith community leaders against antisemitism
Faith community leaders met on the steps of State Parliament in Melbourne today to express their support fort the Victorian Jewish community, and to speak against antisemitism and all form of hate.
Mark Leach and Rabbi Kahn with other faith leaders on the steps of Parliament
They aim to demonstrate community support for Melbourne’s Jews, who are facing unprecedented antisemitism
Participants included Rabbi Moshe Kahn, President, Rabbinical Council of Victoria , Jasmine Yuen, Australian Christian Lobby; Dale Stephenson, Senior Pastor, Crossway Baptist Church; Pastor Victor Soo, Reach Community Church; Rev John Smith, Iranian Church for Christ; and Mark Leach, Senior Minister, Darling St. Church (Sydney).
Pastor Mark Leach is an Anglican Minister and the leader of ‘Never Again Is Now’ movement, and he organised today’s event, as well as anti-hate rallies across the country. The theme of the rallies is ‘Stop the Hate Mate’. Melbourne’s rally will take place on Sunday 19 May at 1.30pm on the steps of Parliament House.
Mark said, “Whatever one’s views on the Middle East conflict, there’s no justification for the hate being inflicted on our Jewish community”.
Jasmine Yuen spoke about the importance of multicultural communities uniting together against hate and antisemitism. She said any attack on one of our multicultural communities was not acceptable.
The rally will unite Christians, Jews, Greeks, Iranians, Indigenous Australians, Italians, Vietnamese, Indians, Assyrians, Persians, Hindus, and others in a declaration against discrimination and hate. It exemplifies Australia’s vibrant multiculturalism and demonstrates a collective commitment to standing together against bigotry.
Mark spoke strongly about faith leaders standing up for peace, social cohesion and inclusion. When asked about the pro-Palestine camps on campuses, he expressed dismay at the bullying, intimidation and intolerance faced by Jewish students on campus. He said universities should take action to ensure that all students can attend university safely, free from intimidation or bullying.
When asked about concerns about safety at the event, given recent pro-Palestine rallies, he said that he had been working closely with Victoria Police to ensure a peaceful event. We will be coming for peace and social cohesion.
Recent statistics reveal a staggering 738% surge in antisemitic attacks since the 7 October 2023 atrocities. This included assaults, business intimidation, and bullying and harassment at schools and universities, which underscores the urgency of this community call to action.
Rabbi Moshe Kahn, President of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria said, “I am deeply moved by the solidarity shown by Melbourne’s diverse communities in rallying to support our Jewish community. This inter-community demonstration of unity against hate sends a powerful message that discrimination has no place in our society.”
