MARK DREYFUS MP

Member for Isaacs

Time To Condemn Anti-Semitic Attacks

25 November 2019

Federal Labor is deeply concerned by an increase in anti-Semitic attacks in Australia.

MARK DREYFUS
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
MEMBER FOR ISAACS

ANDREW GILES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIES AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
MEMBER FOR SCULLIN

TIME TO CONDEMN ANTI-SEMITIC ATTACKS

Federal Labor is deeply concerned by an increase in anti-Semitic attacks in Australia.

New research released today by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry has revealed an alarming 30 percent rise in direct anti-Semitic 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 anti-Semitic 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.

Its 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.

MONDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2019