Today, Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement in response to the decision by the Immigration department to cancel the visa of Palestinian activist Bassem Tamimi. A statement released by the department said, “The department has recently been made aware of information that indicates there is a risk that members of the public will react adversely to Mr Tamimi’s presence in Australia regarding his views of the ongoing political tensions in the Middle East.”
“The government has done the right thing. This is a strong reaffirmation that anyone who spreads the blood libel that Israelis arrest Palestinian children to harvest their organs, encouraged students to become freedom fighters for Palestine, who has used and filmed his own children in confrontation with IDF soldiers, who promotes violent activities such as stone throwing is not welcomed here. Mr Tamimi’s hateful views will only sow the seeds of discord and inflame tensions in the community. At a time of increased radicalization and a surge in anti-Semitism, we should not be giving Mr Tamimi a platform to spew his divisive and vile anti-Israel propaganda.”
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.