‘Leading light in the fight against antisemitism’
ADC chairman Dvir Abramovich presented Peris with the ADC's Bravery Against Antisemitism Medal last Friday at the Jewish Museum of Australia in Melbourne.
Indigenous Olympian Nova Peris has been honoured by the Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) for her courageous stand against antisemitism, hate and discrimination.
ADC chairman Dvir Abramovich presented Peris with the ADC’s Bravery Against Antisemitism Medal last Friday at the Jewish Museum of Australia in Melbourne.
Peris has been vocal in her support of Australia’s Jewish community and has used her platform to help bring about social change through her charitable foundation, advocacy and tireless work.
“We are honoured to recognise Nova Peris as a courageous and leading light in the fight against antisemitism,” Abramovich said.
“Standing tall with conviction, she has locked arms with the Jewish community and has continued the proud legacy of William Cooper by stepping up in calling out the virus of intolerance that has engulfed parts of her own community. By speaking truth to power, she has sent the thundering message that anti-Jewish bigotry is not a value that represents us and should never find a home here. This is the true mark of a champion.
“This award also pays tribute to Ms Peris for being a positive and inspiring role model for many young women. Through her fundamental commitment to respect and tolerance – ideals that perfectly embody our mission – Ms Peris has built awareness about the problem of discrimination and injustice and has used her public stature to empower many to stand up and speak out. In a world sorely in need of principled and genuine leaders, Nova Peris has answered the call by being a strong voice and a moral centre.”
Peris, who is currently in Israel, said she is “extremely humbled” to receive the recognition.
“For the past three decades I’ve always stood against all forms of discrimination,” she said.
“I never set out to do things for recognition. I do the things I do because they are right, and they are just. I could not sit back and be silent seeing the rise in antisemitism towards Jewish Australians who have contributed enormously to this beautiful country of ours that we share. The misappropriation of our Aboriginal flag is wrong, and fans and brings the flames of foreign conflicts and tension into Australia.”
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