The ADC, Australia’s leading organisation fighting anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms, has denounced a Cairns business that refused to serve Israeli tourists simply because they are from Israel. Cold Steel Piercing told Mohr Wenger that he does not serve Israelis, and pointed to a sign in the shop that stated, “No Israelis served here.” Owner Mark Bryce has admitted that he is a supporter of the BDS movement.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“I am aghast and distressed at this conduct. The diseased clouds of bigotry and Israeli-hatred have clearly darkened the skies of Cairns. This blatant act of exclusion stains our community and must be denounced vigorously by all leaders. Such a shameful display of discrimination violates and betrays the Australian spirit of civility, inclusiveness and respect for people of all backgrounds and countries. It clearly demonstrates that even though we live in a culturally-rich and diverse society, poisonous strains of intolerance persist. It also sends the wrong message to all potential tourists that there are those in our country who choose the path of exclusion and demonization, instead of extending a hand of friendship and putting out the welcome mat. Does the owner refuse to serve people from any other nations, or just those from the only Jewish state on earth? We call on the QLD Anti-Discrimination commission to investigate this outrageous episode and to take the necessary steps to ensure this does type of stigmatization does not happen again.”
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.