Calm urged
"We must be mindful when sharing information on social forums, including private group chats." CSG Victoria
State roof bodies have urged members of the community to remain calm and dignified in the face of rising antisemitism and provocation.
“Acting in a calm and considered manner is not weakness, it is a demonstration of strength and helps to differentiate ourselves from the worst behaviour of certain anti-Israel activists,” NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip said in an email to the community.
“We must not act in a way which is inconsistent with our values,” he continued. “We must continue to respond to our critics in a strong and assertive way, whilst acting in a way which maintains the honour and standing of our community. Bad behaviour by any community member has the potential to significantly undermine our community’s interests.”
Ossip also requested people “take special care in the information you share with others, and avoid inadvertently sharing misinformation and rumours”.
“The information you share can have significant consequences, so please take care to confirm the validity of information prior to sharing it,” he said.
Noting that “I, like so many of you, am devastated by what I have seen here in Victoria over the last six weeks,” Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Philip Zajac said, “We are angry – but I am calling on Victorian Jews to remain calm, pursue justice peacefully and show restraint.
“Our response to global and local antisemitism and vilification must be one of unequivocal and unquestionable strength. We cannot afford to taint it with poor behaviour that would no doubt weaken our cause,” he said.
“Now, more than ever, it is our obligation to continue living vibrant Jewish lives, and advocating for our local and global community in a calm, strategic, and powerful manner.
“This is how we remain a strong and united Victorian Jewish community.”
Zajac also reiterated CSG Victoria’s sentiment “that we must be mindful when sharing information on social forums, including private group chats”.
“Though undoubtedly well intentioned, sharing rumours and unsubstantiated facts often results in unnecessary panic in the community,” he said.
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