Today, B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) Chair Dr Dvir Abramovich met with senior officials from Latrobe University and with President of the Deakin University Student Union Matthew McDonald to discuss the alarming rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel incidents on Australian campuses, and ways the ADC and Deakin University can collaborate in effectively addressing and countering this serious problem.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chair of The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, issued the following statement:
“I commend Deakin University for initiating this meeting. At a time when virulent anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism continue to be a disturbing problem on Australian campuses, I was pleased by the tremendous goodwill expressed by university administrators and the student union to tackle head on the victimisation, harassment and vilification of Jewish students. I was also very glad that we agreed to work on strategies to improve the administrative mechanisms for reporting racial and religious harassment and intimidation on campus and on avenues to familiarize administrators, faculty, and other university personnel about the definitions and manifestation of anti-Semitism, in particular when “anti-Israelism” and anti-Zionism cross the line into anti-Semitism. I told officials that I am very concerned about the creeping normalization of anti-Jewish sentiment on campus and about the welfare and safety of Jewish students. We agreed that anti-Semitism undermines students’ personal sense of dignity and identity and devalues campus life. I urged university leaders to exercise moral leadership by publicly and vigorously condemning any acts of anti-Semitism. I have also urged Deakin University to speedily investigate and to qualitatively address incidents of anti-Semitism as well as implement a wide-ranging strategic plan that counters this scourge. The ADC has offered to provide and run anti-bias programs and training that inspire students and staff to become voices of positive change and champions in fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for students. In the battle against anti-Semitism, it is our view that with adequate and effective response from university leaders we can turn the tide on the increasingly toxic and poisonous atmosphere faced by Jewish students on our campuses.”
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
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