Now more than ever, we need upstanders

At a time when antisemitism is at an all-time high and Israel faces existential threats, the need for upstanders has never been more urgent. History has repeatedly shown the devastating consequences of standing by while injustice unfolds. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation from the Nazi death camps, and as Israel defends itself following the October 7 Hamas attack, it is clear that we must mobilise against the rising tide of hatred.

One of the most profound ways to foster understanding and action is through education. Organising the first-ever parliamentary delegation to participate in March of the Living (MOTL) is something I am immensely proud of. We were fortunate to have Melbourne Holocaust Museum president Sue Hampel guide our delegation. Now more than ever we need more lawmakers to take part in these programs to ensure they witness history firsthand and become upstanders against hate.

This trip was not just about observing history; it was about confronting the deep-rooted dangers of complacency. Standing where millions of Jews were murdered and hearing stories from Holocaust survivors reinforced the urgent need to educate leaders to return home armed with knowledge and moral clarity.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this trip was its bipartisan nature. Alongside my colleague and co-convenor of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Israel, Paul Hamer, we ensured this delegation represented unity beyond politics.

In Krakow, we visited the Jewish Community Centre, where we witnessed the extraordinary work of Jonathan Ornstein, who founded the centre in 2008 to rebuild Jewish life. His centre has since also become a lifeline for Ukrainian refugees, offering critical support and humanitarian aid. Meeting refugees who had fled Russian aggression provided a stark reminder that the horrors of war are not confined to history. Ornstein and his volunteers are true upstanders, demonstrating courage and compassion in the face of adversity.