A show of unity
The peaceful rally by Together With Israel on the Lindt Cafe siege's 10th anniversary urged the Federal government to act against rising antisemitism since October 7.
The support was palpable and uplifting as around 3000 members of both the Jewish and wider Australian communities gathered at Sydney’s Martin Place on Sunday to declare ‘Enough is Enough’.
The peaceful rally, organised by Together With Israel and coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of the Lindt Cafe siege, was a call for the Federal government to take action against the antisemitism that has gripped the country since October 7.
“There has never been an atmosphere like this against the Jewish minority that has been so happy and successful and has contributed so much ever in the history of our great country,” former Labor MP Michael Danby told the crowd.
“It’s winter in the middle of summer for Jews in Australia.”
Danby then turned his attention to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke following reports Israeli visitors to Australia have been questioned over their involvement in the IDF in their visa applications.
“Tony Burke I want to say something to you directly from this podium,” said Danby.
“You have to reverse that completely unnecessary interrogation you’re sending to all young Israeli tourists who come to Australia. It’s never happened before; it’s only in the last few months. It’s completely discretionary and it’s completely unnecessary.”
Hagit Ashual from Together With Israel said the community has “reached a tipping point as resilient people”.
“Terrorism lives among us and can even impact peaceful societies like ours here in Australia,” she said.
“We have been patiently waiting for 14 months for our government to take action. The time for patience has passed,” Ashual said.
The number of non-Jewish speakers expressing their solidarity with Israel and the community was uplifting, with Liberal Lebanese-Christian councillor for Hunters Hill Carol Tannous-Sleiman drawing rapturous applause.
“I’m not Jewish, I’m an Australian with a very proud Lebanese Christian Maronite heritage,” she said.
“When my dad arrived here 40 years ago, he kissed the ground and said ‘this is my country.’ The disgraceful undertones in Australia have evolved progressively over the last 14 months.
“From the prime minister to the foreign minister your lack of action is a disgrace. These are not just attacks on Jews but an attack on Australian mateship.”
Rabbi Ben Elton from The Great Synagogue said congregants have been worshipping in the city centre for almost 200 years, “but it took until 2024 for there to be a demonstration outside our synagogue”.
“That is not progress, that is our society in crisis,” he said.
Other speakers included Colonel Michael Scott, Dr Glenn Kolomeitz, Michael Easson and Senator Dave Sharma, who said the Jewish Australian community “has given so much to this nation and has so much to be proud of”.
“From the military heroics of General Sir John Monash, to the outsized contribution of Jewish intellectuals, artists, academics, entrepreneurs, public servants, philanthropists and many other unsung heroes, like Ed here from Avner’s bakery,” he said.
Ed Halmagyi has been the face of Jewish pride in a response to a number of antisemitic acts of graffiti scrawled on his Surry Hills bakery in inner Sydney. Instead of cower to the hate, he has strengthened his Zionist and Jewish resolve.
“Ours is a joyful faith, ours is a joyful community, and we must not lose sight of that because if there’s one thing that would really cripple us as a community, it is to lose the joy,” Halmagyi said.
“While you’re lighting (Chanukah) candles and hanging out with family, I want you to remember that Chanukah is about more than ‘gelt’ and gifting. Chanukah is a celebration of a point in time in our history when we as a community, our ancestors, overcame darkness with the light of their commitment.
“It is time for you to find your inner strength.”
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