‘Wonderful to be here with you’
NSW Premier Chris Minns attended the outreach launch of Ernie Friedlander's Stop Racism Now campaign.
NSW Premier Chris Minns paid tribute to communal stalwart Ernie Friedlander at the outreach launch of the Stop Racism Now campaign, which was created by the Moving Forward Together Association.
Founded by Holocaust survivor Friedlander, Moving Forward Together is an organisation that promotes social harmony, while the Stop Racism Now project is aimed at high school and university students.
“Ernie, it’s wonderful to be here with you,” Minns said, addressing Friedlander in front of a room full of guests.
“You’ve just got an infectious energy, so positive and happy. You’ve got every reason to doubt the better angels of people’s nature, but for some reason every time I meet you I feel more optimistic and happy about the future. I think it’s been a tortured and obviously devastating path that’s brought you and your family to this country, but we just love you and we’re so happy to have you here.”
Friedlander said he first met Minns last year, when he shared his story of how one kind German soldier allowed him and his mother to escape from transportation to a concentration camp.
“He [Minns] is a wonderful guy,” Friedlander told The AJN.
“I told him my story of survival – I lost most of my family except my mother and three cousins. I know what it means to be discriminated against.
“One caring human being gave me the opportunity to survive, so it is very important to acknowledge what one person can do. The current climate is a good opportunity for extremist elements who want to divide, so we need to unite. Moving Forward Together is so relevant to what we need to do.”
What makes the Stop Racism Now campaign different to others is that it provides practical tools for people to stand up to racism through powerful social media campaigns and interactive videos.
“This is a really important process and I want to congratulate the organisers of this event for the program you’re running,” Minns said.
“We’ve got an obligation to call out racism where we find it and where we see it. That’s why organisations like this are so important and programs like this, particularly for young people, will make a massive difference. My government will work with all and any organisations that promote multiculturalism, the end of racism and a sense of togetherness.”
CEO of Multicultural NSW Joseph La Posta also expressed his support for the campaign in a letter addressed to Friedlander.
“Your passion and dedication to improving the lives of individuals in our community, promoting human rights and social justice are commendable,” La Posta said.
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