Nazi symbols spark anguish on eve of ban
Nazi swastikas have been found painted in Melbourne’s east and southeastern suburbs, a week before a ban on the symbols is enforced in Victoria.
Two swastikas were discovered in the past week at the Central Gardens in Hawthorn and on a fence in Brighton, while an anti-Semitic phrase was found painted on a Cheltenham garage last Sunday.
A woman whose relatives died in the Holocaust discovered the Brighton swastika. She said the ordeal was distressing.
“My great-grandparents and extended family were murdered in the Shoah (Holocaust), which I am always aware of,” she told AAP.
“Seeing this sign of hatred caused me great stress and pain. I can’t believe this is happening in Melbourne.”
The president of The Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Daniel Aghion, told J-Wire: “Tragically, the recent spate of antisemitic remarks by celebrities has emboldened bigots around the world, including here in Melbourne.
Soon, on December 29, it will be a criminal act to publicly display the Nazi swastika in Victoria. This is a significant step. Antisemites are on notice that they will face hefty fines or jail time for vandalising property with this hateful symbol.”
A Menorah displayed at the Elwood Beach foreshore was ripped down on Wednesday and thrown into the water, Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich told AAP.
He said the Nazi symbols and anti-Semitic phrases were being used to drive hate in the lead-up to the swastika ban.
From December 29, it will be a criminal offence in Victoria to display the symbol in public.
Those who do will face penalties of up to nearly $22,000, 12 months in jail, or both.
Dr Abramovich said the ban sent the “unmistakable message” anti-Semitism won’t be tolerated.
“Although it may be an uncomfortable truth for some, it’s time to admit that the juggernaut of anti-Semitism has reached fever pitch in our nation,” he said.
“I understand why some members of the Jewish community feel under siege. Sadly, we are going down a path whereby anyone who is identifiably Jewish will not feel safe.”
Anti-Semitism needed to be combated because it would not only lead to attacks and bigotry against Jewish people, but people of all faiths and values, Dr Abramovich said.
“We know that threatening gestures can turn violent,” he said.
“This is everyone’s fight, and combating white supremacy and intolerance is a cause that we must all sign up for.”
The incidents have been reported to police.
AAP has contacted Victoria Police for comment.
AAP/J-Wire
