Melbourne City Mayoral candidate Jamal Hakim
The Melbourne City Councillor who last year moved a controversial motion to support a ceasefire in Gaza has now chosen to speak out against antisemitism.
Councillor Jamal Hakim, who is now running for Mayor, has issued a call to action against what he calls the rising tide of hate speech and discrimination in the city.
This is significant as it represents perhaps the first time someone identified with the pro-Palestine cause has attempted to seriously address antisemitism.
Next week we will hear from the acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, who is also running for Mayor in the October local elections.
In February, I put forward a motion that recognises our shared humanity and raising community’s call for a ceasefire.
For the most part, the debate was respectful and allowed community members to air their concerns and lived experience.
I am a firm believer that resolving issues requires us to create safe forums that people can discuss issues, with the critical mantra: hard on issues, soft on people.
While we don’t always agree, and in fact don’t need to, it’s important that we create space for shared facts and a common sense of humanity.
In Melbourne, a city known for its vibrant and diverse communities, the rise of hate speech is a troubling development that affects us all.
Antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and other forms of bigotry are not isolated issues; they are interconnected and require a unified response.
It’s crucial that we, as a community, take a firm stand against all forms of hate, recognising that our strength lies in our solidarity.
Recent incidents highlight the pervasive nature of hate speech.
For example, the vandalism of a Chabad synagogue in Balaclava, where “Stop the Jews” was spray-painted on a billboard during a period of religious observation, is a stark reminder of the threats faced by the Jewish community.
Similarly, the antisemitic bullying at Brighton Secondary College, which left many students feeling unsafe, underscores the need for comprehensive measures to combat discrimination in our schools.
These acts are not isolated.
Neo-Nazi groups and other far-right extremists are increasingly targeting various communities, attempting to sow division and fear.
The rise of neo-Nazis across the world, and most recently in the UK is an example of what can happen when hate is allowed to unleash.
Whether it’s anti-Semitic attacks, Islamophobic rhetoric, or xenophobic abuse, the underlying goal is the same: by undermining the fabric of our society they turn us against each other.
We must recognise that hate speech, regardless of its target, is fundamentally dehumanising.
It strips individuals of their dignity and undermines the values of equality and respect that are essential for a cohesive society.
Our response to hate must be unequivocal: it is never acceptable, and it is our collective responsibility to stand against it in all its forms.
We all have a duty to stand up against hatred wherever it is safe to do so, irrespective of our own political beliefs and no matter who is being targeted.
In this fight, humanity must be our guiding principle.
This means having difficult conversations and acknowledging when actions taken in the name of our beliefs cross the line into hatred.
Supporting a cause should never entail condoning or ignoring hate speech.
We must be willing to confront and rectify wrongs within our own ranks to maintain our moral integrity.
I have witnessed pro-Palestinian leaders make it clear at protests that anti-Semitism is not acceptable.
These actions must not be isolated and we have to all stand up to all forms of bigotry together, regardless of our differences.
Ultimately, our communities are often pitted against each other by those who seek to exploit divisions for political gain.
Both sides of the political spectrum can use us as weapons, to perpetuate a cycle of hostility that serves only to empower extremists.
By recognising this manipulation, we can better resist it and foster genuine solidarity.
In Melbourne, and indeed across the world, our response to hate speech must be rooted in the recognition of our shared humanity.
We need to build bridges of understanding, support victims of hate, and educate our communities about the destructive power of bigotry.
Schools, workplaces, and community organisations must actively promote tolerance and inclusion, ensuring that everyone feels safe and valued.
Moreover, our legal frameworks must be robust and enforceable, providing clear protections against hate crimes and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
Support services for those affected by hate speech and violence must be readily accessible and well-resourced.
The fight against hate is not easy, but it is necessary.
It requires courage, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to our shared values.
By standing together, we can create a Melbourne that truly reflects the principles of justice, equality, and respect for all.
Let us be united in our opposition to hate, recognising that an attack on one is an attack on all.
Together, we can build a society where everyone is free to live without fear of discrimination, and where our diversity is celebrated as our greatest strength.
Jamal is Founder and CEO of Hakim Consulting.
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