April 4, 2015
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has condemned the ugly display of racial and religious intolerance expressed at the anti-Muslim rallies held earlier today in Melbourne, Sydney and other capital cities, and has called on community leaders to reject such hatred and prejudice.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, issued the following statement:
“Our stance has always been very clear. No group should be singled out for scapegoating, hatred and prejudice based on their ethnicity or religion. Australian multiculturalism and diversity are founded on this important ideal. Acts of religious intimidation, such as the ones that we saw take place during the rallies, are particularly harmful in the pain and fear they inflict on an entire community. Australians of all backgrounds are understandably horrified and outraged by the scenes of violence and the words of intolerance heard at some of the speeches. We urge all people in our community to speak out together against those who wish to blow on the embers of division and to not allow those who wish to sow fear against the Muslim community to gain publicity and sway public opinion. The peaceful co-existence of all faiths in Australia is a key source of our strength as a nation and as a people, and we must continue to condemn all manifestations of bigotry.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677