The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading organisation fighting racism and hatred in all its forms has registered its concern and disgust at a racist Facebook meme, posted on the “AFL Memes” page which compared AFL star Adam Goodes to the Harambe, the silverback gorilla that was shot and killed by Zoo staff in Ohio. After the AFL contacted Facebook, the post was removed.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“This incident proves that sadly, racism remains a pervasive menace and a blight on our community. Such bigotry is an affront to every human being and should never be ignored. It’s gratifying that many visitors to the page which carried this offensive meme voiced their distaste for this disturbing occurrence. We in the Jewish community are accustomed to such racial taunts and vilification. The history of prejudice and discrimination around the world teaches us that no society is immune to hate. It is our collective duty to declare our zero-tolerance to racism, on and off the field, and to make the evil and horror of intolerance a thing of the past. Sportspeople are often role models, and must use their fame and following to engage and inspire young people by their anti- racism message, reaching hearts in a way that politicians will never do. The AFL was right in immediately demanding the removal of this appalling post and in doing so reinforced the value of never being a bystander— that we must respond every time we hear or see any slur, regardless whether it was used in a joking or in a serious manner, and never brush it aside. Players, coaches and sporting organisations must stand together and say that hateful words and images are not cool and that racial sledging robs not only the victim but also the offender of their humanity and dignity.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677