The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has expressed its deep concern about a rise in white-supremacist activity and graffiti in the Glen Eira and St Kilda areas .In the latest incident a swastika was spray painted on equipment in the McKinnon Reserve playground and follows the distribution of anti-Semitic swastikas flyers by a neo-Nazi group in St Kilda last week.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“We denounce this craven display of intolerance against people of all faiths and origins. There is something very troubling and unsettling happening in our country with a dramatic surge of white-Supremacist graffiti and activities as right-wing extremists are spreading their cancer of hate. This incident, which consciously targeted young children, does not represent our spirit inclusivity which we all work very hard to foster. Imagine how distressed and traumatized a Holocaust survivor, taking their grandchild to this playground would be, when confronted with this potent symbol of genocide and xenophobia. It is incumbent on the entire community to speak up against the scourge of anti-Semitism, and we call on all leaders, especially mayors, to say in a strong and loud voice “not in our city!”
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.