The ADC, Australia’s leading organisation fighting anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms, has denounced an article by Nama Winston in the Huffington Post Australia in which the author writes that “I find the use of the swastika by neo-Nazis and other racists hilarious” claiming that neo-Nazis and racists are unaware that the swastika is an ancient Sanskrit symbol and that it not as racist as they think. In her article, Ms Winston refers readers to sites such as “reclaim the swastika” and “proswastika.org” and sympathizes with those who ,”feel angry and frustrated that their ability to celebrate the symbol has been unfairly denied to them because it was misappropriated by an insane dictator.” Earlier, Ms Winson describes Hitler as a, “small-minded and small-moustached murderer.”
The article can be read here
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“No Ms Winson, swastikas are not less racist than what racists think. This extremely insensitive and misguided article unconscionably dismisses the enormous pain the reprehensible display of the swastika causes. Ms Winston’s naïve, and in many ways, selfish attitude, shows a staggering lack of concern for the feelings of those who survived the Holocaust, and those who lost relatives to the evil deeds of the Third Reich. There is nothing funny about neo-Nazis who commit violent crimes and who through the defacement of public property with this insignia of industrialised extermination, seek to instil fear in the hearts of their victims. In fact, white-supremacists are proud to frequently deploy the swastika as a weapon to harass and victimise Jewish communities and minorities, and that they are not informed about its ancient meaning is irrelevant. Like a modern day Rip-van Winkle, who has just woken up from their slumber, Ms. Winston expects us to forget recent history and to close our eyes to the indisputable reality that the swastika is the most prominent and chilling symbol of the genocidal Nazi regime, responsible for the extermination of six million Jews, including one and a half million children, and millions of others. Surely she must realise that for the most of the world, the swastika has come to represent a universal sign and expression of anti-Semitism, white supremacy and intolerance. There is nothing hilarious about the disturbing use and proliferation of this symbol of infamy, and her call to rehabilitate this ugly symbol of indescribable atrocities and death is offensive and hurtful. In a world where anti-Semitism and prejudice are on the rise, it’s important that we take all measures to address and counter any symbols of intimidation, divisiveness and bigotry.”
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting racism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 9272 5677.