Mayors urged to join fight against antisemitism

The CEO of the organisation bringing more than 200 local government leaders together for Australia’s first Mayors’ Summit Against Antisemitism later this year has called on the lord mayors of Sydney and Melbourne to take a public stand against hate.

Combat Antisemitism Movement CEO Sacha Roytman said local governments are uniquely positioned to combat prejudice.

“Mayors and councillors live among their communities. They know the streets, the people and the pressures,” Roytman said.

“When hate surfaces, their leadership is vital to restoring harmony.”

Roytman called on Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore to take a public stand.

“Local councils are the front line of defence against hate. We urge every mayor and councillor to speak out and step up, and to join our summit to learn how their peers around the world are tackling these rising threats,” he said.

He said he was looking forward to the conference, calling it “very timely” given current global events.

Waverley mayor Will Nemesh will speak at the September summit about the comprehensive antisemitism strategy his council has developed that other councils are now seeking to adopt.

“The strategy talks about antisemitism not just being a Jewish issue. It’s a whole-of-society issue, and that the community needs to become upstanders and not bystanders,” Nemesh said.

Nemesh said the strategy includes initiatives within council and across the community “to demonstrate that the Jewish community within Waverley is valued, it’s respected, and that we take antisemitism or actions against the Jewish community incredibly seriously”.

The mayor said the approach has proven effective during increased threats against the Jewish community.

“Councils have a critical role to play in promoting social cohesion, and as part of that also combating antisemitism,” Nemesh said.