B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission: Conduct by Jake Lynch at a lecture by Colonel Richard Kemp offensive and unacceptable
April 15, 2015
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has expressed grave concerns about
the actions of Professor Jake Lynch during the talk by Colonel Richard Kemp at Sydney University, in which Professor Lynch reportedly waved money in the face of a Jewish woman.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, issued the following statement:
“By waving money in the face of the Jewish woman, Professor Lynch fuelled the classic and insidious anti-Semitic association of Jews and money. This pernicious association, which still maintains its potency today, goes back to the age-old myth that Jews are money hungry and are ‘tight with money’— namely, that they are cheap and stingy. This vile charge has nothing do with the actual behaviour of the Jewish people. In fact, according to Jewish tradition, giving money to the poor and to those in need is not just encouraged, but is required, through the commandment of tzedakah, or charity. While it’s impossible to ascertain Professor’s Lynch true intent in resorting to this conduct, we would remind Professor Lynch that we all have a responsibility to be respectful and to avoid vicious, prejudicial and bigoted expressions. We hope that Professor Lynch takes responsibility for his thoughtless actions, understands why they are so distressing, and apologizes to those he has offended.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677
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