Today, Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), issued the following statement in response to President Trumps’ refugee policy to temporarily refuse entry into the United States for all Syrian and other refugees of war as well as banning people from seven other predominantly Muslim countries.
“While we recognise that every government has the right to control its borders, thoroughly vet those seeking asylum, and defend its citizens from the threat of terrorists who falsely seek entrance on humanitarian grounds, we are profoundly concerned by this blanket ban on all Syrian and other refugees, as well as on people from seven nations that are predominantly Muslim. Like Australia, the USA is a nation of immigrants with a proud and compassionate tradition of opening its doors to those escaping unimaginable violence, persecution and oppression. What is required from the American administration is a more balanced and nuanced approach to assist those who are in danger and who legitimately need a safe harbour regardless of their religion, ethnicity or nationality. One immediately thinks about the Yezidis and Christians in Syria facing death at the hands of ISIS and about those vulnerable widows, orphans and the elderly in other countries waiting to be reunited with their families in the United States. We therefore call on President Trump to rescind this executive order. We also urge President Trump to permit those holding green cards and who possess a visa and are already in American airports or in transit to be permitted to return to their homes in the USA and to freely travel and work overseas without the fear of not being able to return if they leave.”
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading civil rights organization fighting racism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677.