The ADC, Australia’s leading organisation fighting hatred in all its forms, has decried a series of racist, violent attacks against members of the Asian community in Warrnambool. The offences ranged from Asian students and meat workers being pelted with eggs and rocks to windows smashed at a Japanese teacher’s house, and the vandalization of a car.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, said:
“We decry this reprehensible and chilling outburst of prejudice in the strongest possible terms, and our hearts go out to the victims. Such vile attacks not only harm the individual victim, but also deeply affect the entire community. Australians of all faiths, nationalities, and ethnicities should feel secure walking our streets and in their jobs without the fear or threat of being targeted for abuse and violence because of their religion or appearance. These crimes tarnish us all, and are a grim reminder of the lengths people will go to express their bigotry, and that we have much work to do to in tackling the cancer of xenophobia in our midst. Such ugly behaviour must never find a home in Australia, and the best way to combat such racism is for us all to stand as one when the values of respect and peaceful co-existence, a source of our nation’s strength, are undermined by such distressing acts.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 9272 5677.