Federal coalition pledges $8.5m for Sydney Jewish Museum expansion
The Federal Coalition has announced an $8.5 million commitment to fund the expansion of the Sydney Jewish Museum, matching the $8.5 million already pledged by the NSW state government.
Museum president Greg Shand greets Julian Leeser, Peter Dutton and Liberal Wentworth candidate Ro Knox
This combined $17 million will enable the Museum to build the Centre of Jewish Life and Tolerance, which aims to nearly double its visitor capacity by 2032. The project comes at a crucial time as antisemitism in Australia has surged dramatically, with incidents rising by 700 per cent since October 7, 2023, with the Hamas attack on Israel.
Peter Dutton makes the announcement
Speaking at the Museum today alongside Julian Leeser MP and Senator James Patterson, Dutton stressed the importance of this investment in combating division and fostering unity in Australia. “This investment is crucial in fostering greater understanding and standing firmly against division and hate,” he said. Dutton linked the rising tide of antisemitism to broader threats to Australia’s social fabric, stating, “Antisemitism is not only a threat to one segment of our community; it is a threat to our social cohesion, to our democratic values, and to our way of life.” He pointed out that recent antisemitic incidents have included protests, vandalism, and harassment, deeply affecting Jewish Australians.
The Sydney Jewish Museum, established in 1992, is dedicated to educating Australians about the Holocaust and celebrating Jewish contributions to Australian society. The new Centre will significantly expand its educational outreach, particularly to schoolchildren. Dutton’s vision aligns with the Coalition’s broader goal of ensuring that every Australian child visits a Holocaust museum as part of their education. “Every Australian child will understand this evil… through their education, they will understand the evils of the past and the evils of the present,” Dutton remarked.
In addition to addressing the educational role of the Museum, Dutton also spoke about the current climate of fear many Jewish Australians are experiencing. “It’s not right that fellow Australians, including Holocaust survivors, feel unsafe in this country for the first time,” he said, directly addressing the community’s concerns about safety and security. This expansion will serve not only to educate but also to provide a space where Jewish Australians can feel supported and understood, ensuring the Museum remains a beacon of knowledge and tolerance for generations to come.
