The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading civil and human rights organisation fighting hatred in all its forms, has lauded the visit by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and her participation in a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, and the Children’s Memorial. The Foreign Minister also signed the Yad Vashem Guest Book with the following: “Australia will never forget those who suffered at the hands of this evil brutality. As a country we gave refuge to many who survived the Holocaust and they hold a special place in the hearts of the Australian people. Yad Vashem reminds us that however troubled our world may be the forces for good must prevail for our common humanity.” Bishop noted that Israel and Australia, “have a friendship based on common values and that it is a friendship that must endure as like-minded countries facing so many challenges in a deeply troubled world.”
Dr. Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“Julie Bishop’s visit to Yad Vashem was a touching gesture of friendship and support for the Jewish people and Israel. Her participation in a memorial ceremony and the words she inscribed in the Yad Vashem Guest Book demonstrate her personal and the government’s unequivocal commitment to continue in its sacred mission of memorializing the Holocaust, its victims and survivors, and the need for the world to present a united front against the horror and evil of modern anti-Semitism. This visit will further deepen the strong and enduring friendship between the two countries and reaffirms Australia’s dedication to the ongoing security of the Israel as it faces the threats posed in this volatile region.”
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.