Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement in response to the decision by a court to uphold a ruling by Waverley Council to reject the application for a new synagogue in Bondi, Sydney.
“One is hard pressed not to ask what’s next: Jewish schools, kindergartens, community centres, the buildings of youth movements and sports associations? This decision may only affect one community for now, reducing its members to second-class citizens and punishing them for being potential targets, but we all know that what begins with the Jews, will not end with the Jews. All good people must raise their voice and say that the only way to deal with terror is to unite and fight it, not blame the victims. We have always considered freedom of religion a cornerstone and a guiding principle of Australian society, and this freedom includes the right of every Australian, whether they are Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or those of other faiths to establish houses of worship. This decision sends the wrong message and is fundamentally inconsistent with the great Australian tradition of not restricting religious liberty and never allowing those who wish to destroy our way of life to win.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 9272 5677.