Sean Rubin: One Nation’s Jewish candidate in Macnamara
On issues relevant to Jewish voters, Rubin states that "One Nation recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital."
Sean Rubin is standing as One Nation’s first ever Jewish candidate for the Melbourne seat of Macnamara in the upcoming federal election.
The professional chef brings a unique perspective to a party that has historically faced criticism from some within the Jewish community.
“I’m proud to say that I’m an Australian Jewish person,” Rubin told The AJN. “My principles have always been the same – looking after the Australian people.”
Rubin emphasised that voters should focus on his candidacy rather than historical perceptions of party leader Pauline Hanson.
“People are focused on Pauline Hanson and what she did in the past, rather than what’s going on in the present,” he explained.
“People are actually looking at myself for the seat of Macnamara, not Pauline Hanson.”
On issues relevant to Jewish voters, Rubin states that “One Nation recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.”
He also highlighted the party’s stance on antisemitism.
“One Nation has been very firm that, you know, it should not be happening in Australia.”
When asked about his reception within One Nation as a Jewish candidate, Rubin said he feels welcomed, noting, “It’s the first time we’ve actually had a One Nation candidate that is Jewish in the electorate.”
One issue he feels is not getting the attention it deserves is crime.
“We’ve got a lot of issues with crime, with people doing it very hard at the moment, and just their safety and security, they just want to be heard and know that things are going to change,” he said.
While acknowledging he faces an uphill battle against major party candidates from Labor, Liberal and the Greens, Rubin argues that his understanding of community concerns about crime, safety and economic hardship makes him a worthy contender.
“When I saw previously on who to vote for cards, I honestly did not have a single person that stood for the values that I do,” Rubin said, suggesting his candidacy offers an alternative voice for voters in Macnamara.
Rubin, who immigrated to Australia from South Africa, views his outsider status in politics as an advantage.
“People say, sure, you know you’re not going to win it because you’ve got no experience in politics, but at the end of the day, I listen. I’m in people’s shoes. I see what goes on.”
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