What can each of us do?

We all have a role to play in combatting antisemitism

Antisemitism goes against everything we stand for as Australians and the values we hold dear.

A few months ago, the local rabbi invited me to the synagogue to help plant a tree. This was no ordinary event with a shovel and watering can. That day we planted a dedicated tree of peace.

Our local synagogues are places that bring our vibrant Jewish community together to share faith, worship, and prayer. They are safe spaces of love, peace and inclusion.

The antisemitic language, graffiti, vandalism, violence and terror we are tragically witnessing are acts of hate, evil and exclusion.

Our Jewish community justifiably feels unsafe. This is heartbreaking.

Antisemitism goes against everything we stand for as Australians and the values we hold dear.

It’s on the rise since Hamas terrorised, kidnapped, and murdered innocent Israelis on 7 October 2023.

Data released to the NSW Parliament shows the NSW Police Force received 130 incidents of antisemitism in the financial year before October 2023. In the following year, there were 425 incidents – representing a shocking 227 percent increase. Not all incidents are reported, and I deeply fear they will continue to increase.

We cannot, under any circumstance, allow antisemitism to become normalised in our community.

This month, the NSW Parliament will consider measures to strengthen laws to combat antisemitism.

What can each of us do right now?

Firstly and fundamentally, we all have a role to play in combatting antisemitism. It begins by calling it out – in all its forms. Whether it’s an antisemitic comment from a colleague, friend or family member – or serious acts of antisemitic vandalism, graffiti, violence or terrorism. We can no longer stay silent when we see it and hear it.

Secondly, we need to talk to and educate our children and young people that antisemitism is not acceptable. In my community, Jewish students have told me they’ve been bullied by antisemitic language and graffiti. Our schools and campuses should be safe, welcoming and inclusive places for learning. In NSW, I am pleased the new education curriculum for year 7 and 8 students includes mandatory learning about the Holocaust and post war experiences of Jewish survivors in Australia. Knowing our history will help never repeating it.

Finally, whilst I support peaceful protest, it should not be allowed directly outside places of worship. To do so removes the freedom, safety, and dignity of a community. Data released to the NSW Parliament shows 117 public assemblies were held in the year after October 2023 in Sydney’s Hyde Park opposite the Great Synagogue. This has resulted in our Jewish community changing or cancelling plans, such as bar and bat mitzvahs. A protest that directly impacts the freedom of a community is not the Australian way.

The tree of peace I helped plant with the rabbi continues to grow in the local synagogue garden. I know the love, peace and inclusion of the local Jewish community will help it stand strong and tall, to weather any storm. We all have a role to play in combatting antisemitism.

Matt Cross is the NSW Member for Davidson

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