June 26, 2015
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has joined the Simon Wiesenthal Centre in petitioning UK Prime Minister David Cameron to bar British neo-Nazis from marching on July 4 in London’s Golders Green, a heavily populated Jewish area, and burning the Talmud and other Jewish scriptures. The planned rally will take place on the Sabbath.
Part of the Wiesenthal Centre letter to Prime Minister Cameron reads:
We are well aware that freedom of expression is the hallmark of any democracy. The protections of free speech also generally extends even to those with a hateful agenda. However, in this instance, despite their small numbers, what is alarming is the declaration of these neo-Nazis that they intend to burn the Talmud and other Jewish scriptures. The public burning of our Holy texts, a hallmark of Nazi Germany and virulent medieval anti-Semitism, could inspire similar acts across Europe and around the world. Mr. Prime Minister, even if these thugs do not utter a single word, such an act would constitute a horrific hate crime against the Jewish community and religious minorities of all faiths. We urge your intervention to stop such a desecration.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“I urge every Australian to sign this very important petition. We must all stand united with the London Jewish community in opposing this despicable and provocative rally. As anti-Semitism and violence against Jews and Jewish institutions dramatically escalates across Europe, it is the duty of every leader to speak out and protect religious minorities from such repugnant, bigoted deeds. If this march goes ahead, it will only encourage and embolden like-minded racists and extremists to target and intimidate other Jewish communities. As the Charleston massacre showed, the threat by white-supremacists to all people of faith is one that cannot be underestimated. When confronted with such blatant displays of racism, civil society must come together and reject this type of hatred.”
In a letter to Dr. Abramovich, Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, stated:
“We are thrilled to see people from Australia joining our effort. It is extraordinarily crucial that authorities in the UK realize that the eyes of the world are upon them and not just against Saturday’s anti-Semitic provocation. Saying that they will prosecute if the Talmud is burned by bigots isn’t sufficient. Sending this message from around the globe and especially from the community in Australia is extremely important”
The petition can be signed by clicking this link:
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
Join the ADC on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/adc.antidefamationcommission?ref=br_tf
or visit our website at antidef.org.au