Vile thugs must never march again
As we honoured Kristallnacht and our fallen soldiers, vile thugs reminded us hatred still walks free.
In the past week, we have observed two solemn anniversaries – one as Jews, one as Australians.
November 9-10 marked 87 years since Kristallnacht, the pogrom against Jews in Nazi Germany that preluded the Holocaust.
November 11 was Remembrance Day, so timed to coincide with the end of the First World War but honouring soldiers who have died in the line of duty during all wars, including fighting against the same Nazis in the Second World War.
We commemorate the first so that the world doesn’t forget where hatred can lead. And we remember the sacrifice of Australian troops on the second for fighting to protect the freedoms that all Australians hold dear. As Jews, this includes the ability to live freely while openly practising our faith and celebrating our culture.
Last Saturday, we were reminded in the ugliest of fashions why it is so important that we memorialise both. For there are some among us who celebrate the hatred of the Nazis. They despise that we as Jews have the same freedom to participate in our democracy as our fellow countrymen.
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