The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading organisation fighting hatred in all its forms, has called on political leaders, in the aftermath of the Federal elections, to reject any racist, bigoted views espoused by any party or parliamentarians.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“We must not allow our national discourse to be hijacked by those who traffic in fear mongering and in divisive, toxic stereotypes. Vigorous debate is always welcomed, but it must be based on respect and civility. Demonising and generating an atmosphere of bigotry against any religious minority is simply unacceptable on all counts and crosses the line into scapegoating. It plays to our base instincts and only serves to foment hate, discrimination and hostility against citizens who have done nothing wrong. Any targeting of any ethnic community, or the singling out of groups because of the their race, national origin, sexual orientation or other characteristics, makes its members feel frightened and vulnerable and violates our values of justice, equality, religious freedom and multiculturalism. It fundamentally diminishes us as a nation. This is not the message that we want to send young people and to future generations. We call on all political leaders to repudiate any views and ideologies that promote xenophobia and intolerance of any kind.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677.