Unanimous motion carried to tackle antisemitism

In what former Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) national vice-president Zac Morris described as “an incredibly welcome shift of sentiment”, a motion he co-wrote with Tanna Klevansky was unanimously passed at last weekend’s NSW Young Labor conference, to implement a six-point plan to tackle antisemitism.

Key actions will include establishing a cross-factional Jewish Working Group to advise the executive on matters relating to antisemitism, inclusion and representation; and hosting an annual NSW Young Labor Shabbat dinner to promote greater understanding.

Other measures include annual training for the NSW Young Labor Executive on recognising and addressing antisemitism; reviewing the Code of Conduct to ensure antisemitic behaviour and other forms of hate speech and discrimination are explicitly prohibited; introducing stricter background checks for student election candidates, and ensuring Young Labor events are scheduled in ways that allow members of all faiths, including observant Jews, to participate.

The motion’s preamble noted “an increased sense of isolation among the organisation’s Jewish members”, who have been “pushed away by our growing tolerance for intolerance”.

Past examples cited include “bigotry at branch meetings going unchallenged” and a lack of consultation.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip said the carried motion “sends a strong signal from emerging leaders that the NSW Labor Party will not tolerate antisemitism, or efforts to marginalise Jewish ALP members”.

Morris told the AJN he feels proud that NSW Young Labor was able to unanimously reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity, by supporting the motion in its entirety.

“It’s never been more critical that young people of all persuasions feel empowered to engage in the political process,” he said.

“There’s still work to do, but these action points will go a long way in facilitating long-term, structural change.”

Klevansky agreed, adding, “We stand on the shoulders of hundreds of Jewish Australian Labor members, unionists and leaders who came before us, and it’s a privilege to carry forward their work.

“We could not have achieved this success without the incredible and ongoing support of the NSW Young Labor executive, as well as well as the strong leadership shown by the NSW Labor senior leadership team.

“This motion shows that Young Labor members want a movement that is progressive, diverse and safe for Jewish voices.”