Federal Labor reacts to ECAJ antisemitism report
Federal Labor is deeply concerned by an increase in antisemitic attacks in Australia.
Mark Dreyfus
Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles have said in a statement: “New research released by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry has revealed an alarming 30 per cent rise in direct antisemitic attacks in Australia.
The report showed that incidents involving direct verbal abuse, harassment and intimidation increased from 88 to 114, and graffiti attacks more than doubled from 46 to 95.
Anti-Semitism is totally unacceptable and must be condemned by political and community leaders.
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews and James Merlino have acted swiftly to put in place measures to address reports of antisemitic bullying in Victorian schools.
Young people must never be made to feel ashamed of who they are.
We need to focus on educating our young people about the dangers of all forms of racism and abuse.
Australia’s Jewish community has a proud history of contributing to Australian society and culture.
Everyone in Australia should be free to observe their faith and cultural traditions free from abuse and discrimination.
The continued rise of far-right groups in Australia that seek to demonise our Jewish community, as well as other communities, is a significant problem and threat to our strength as a nation united by our common values. This threat must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
It’s time for all Australians to stand together in our commitment to our common values, and to reject those who would seek to divide and to weaken our nation with hate and with fear.”
