The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading organisation fighting anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms, has registered its strong concern at the statement made by Senator Roberts in which he accuses Glen Eira Council of “anti-Semitic behaviour” because of its decision not to host an upcoming event in which Senator Roberts and Senator Hanson are scheduled to speak.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC issued the following statement:
“Senator Roberts is wrong to play the anti-Semitism card. There is nothing on the record or in the facts to show that the Glen Eira Council has behaved as it did because the organiser is Jewish and because of some deep seated bias against the Jewish people. Senator Roberts is entitled to criticise the council and the way it operates, but to employ the accusation of anti-Semitism as a weapon to attack an institution crosses the line, is obscene, and only undermines those who combat real acts of bigotry and racism against the Jewish community. It also dilutes the impact and effect of genuine anti-Semitism when it occurs. As an organisation that combats real anti-Semitism on a daily basis, we are alarmed that Senator Roberts has carelessly levelled this loaded charge to protest the decision by Glen-Eira Council and to suggest that it is motivated by anti-Jewish prejudice. Mischaracterising such actions as Jewish-hatred trivialises and makes a mockery of the term and its historical, tragic consequences, as well as diminishing the memory of the six millions Jews that were murdered during the Holocaust, the survivors and their families. We ask Senator Roberts to reflect on the words he chose, and to withdraw them immediately.”
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.