Thursday, 17 October 2024

Middle East conflict

Paul HAMER (Box Hill) (10:28): On 7 October the Jewish community came together to pray for the safe return of hostages, for peace in Israel and for a strong and united Jewish community. It was a very sombre vigil attended by many thousands in the community who wanted to grieve and wanted to grieve in a communal way.

Unfortunately, in addition to the personal and communal grief that members of the community have had to deal with, the community has also faced unprecedented antisemitism over the last 12 months. Since 7 October last year Victoria Police has investigated more than 260 prejudice-motivated crimes, and more than 60 people have been charged with offences. Of those 60-plus individuals, 80 per cent were motivated by antisemitism.

As a democratic society we like to pride ourselves on the right to peaceful protest, but the right to protest should never come at the expense of vilification of individuals or groups within our society. The flying of flags of proscribed terrorist organisations, the lauding of leaders of terrorist organisations who have openly called for the destruction of Israel, the chanting of slogans denouncing all Jewish supporters of Israel as terrorists, the yelling at staff in shops simply because they are working for Israeli-owned businesses or businesses believed to be somehow supporting Israel – not one of these actions will help resolve the conflict or bring peace to the Middle East. Violence and division overseas should never result in violence and division being brought to our streets.