July 21, 2015
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has expressed strong concern about online comments made following Jarryd Hayne’s twitter posts and apology that indicate that there are still a worrying number of Australians who accept the myth that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“I’m not impressed. In fact, I am very concerned that there are still a considerable number of Australians who believe the lingering and dangerous lie that the Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus. In a world where anti-Semitism is on the rise, this blood-libel legitimises and rationalises hate-speech, incitement and violence. This is a serious issue that will not go away if we keep quiet or ignore it. Quite clearly, the response by readers to the Hayne episode demonstrates that despite encouraging interfaith encounters, and despite declarations by the Vatican, we have a tremendous amount of work to do in educating the public and setting the record straight. One of the difficulties in addressing this problem is that we know very little about the position of individual pastors on this matter and about what their sermons say when they speak to their congregants from the pulpit. As such, concrete measures and steps need to be taken. We urge all leaders, political and religious, to publicly and swiftly rebuke those who advance this falsehood as theology, and to add their powerful voices to the fight against anti-Semitism. Further, we are willing to work with church leaders to produce study guides and information booklets that not only contain accurate information about the crucifixion, but also explain the horrific and destructive impact this libel has had on Jewish communities throughout history. Australia is known for its proud of tradition of religious freedom, fairness and multiculturalism, but these values are gravely undermined when anti-Judaic teachings are stated and disseminated as fact.”
For more information, please contact Dr. Dvir Abramovich on, 9272-5677.