Our responsibility to repair the world is described in Jewish religious tradition as ‘tikkun olam’. The passion of those who pressed for this inquiry, the Prime Minister’s decision to establish it, and the vital work Virginia Bell will now lead all embody that responsibility.
It is my hope that the Royal Commission will provide healing for the Jewish community and our nation, and recommend practical ways to respond to the scourge of anti-semitism. It is a hope I share with so many Australians I have spoken with in recent weeks. 1/2
We back our police. This is why it’s so important that we let our agencies do their jobs without political interference. I thank them for their work on this important matter. 3/3
While it is now clear that there was no threat from the caravan incident at Dural, this despicable event was designed to spread fear in the Jewish community and provoke division.
Those who concocted the criminal hoax and helped spread it have caused incalculable harm. 1/3
Antisemitic behaviour has no place in Australia and we utterly condemn it wherever it occurs.
This activity is part of the continuing effort to combat antisemitic crime by the Australian Federal Police and other law enforcement agencies. 2/3
I utterly condemn the reported threats to the Australian Islamic House Masjid in Sydney.
All Australians have the right to worship in peace. Racist threats and Islamophobia will not be tolerated.
The matter is being investigated by NSW Police and AFP has offered its assistance.
It’s no surprise Senator Cash wants to change the topic, the Liberals want you to forget their record on hate speech. They wanted to change the Racial Discrimination Act so it would be legal to "offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate” someone because of their race or ethnicity.
The Albanese Government has today delivered landmark reform to strengthen hate speech laws.
This Bill delivers the toughest laws Australia has ever had against hate crimes.
@aus_jewishnews
https://t.co/NHXIYUhUo1
The Government utterly condemns antisemitism in all its forms.
I understand the alarm in the community over the discovery of a caravan allegedly laden with explosives in Sydney.
The matter is being investigated by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team.
Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
It marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau where one million Jews were murdered.
This day and every day we must remember the victims of the Holocaust and combat antisemitism in all its forms.
Never again.
Hamas murdered 340 people at the Nova music festival on 7 October 2023. Many more were wounded. Dozens were taken hostage. Shalev Biton narrowly escaped death thanks to the selfless actions of a nearby farm manager. Shalev’s story is one of horror and hope.
On 7 October 2023 Hamas murdered more than 130 people at the peaceful Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel, including Australian grandmother Galit Carbone. Dozens more were taken hostage. I’m grateful to Galit’s brother, Danny, a survivor of the attack, for hosting my visit.
In Ramallah I discussed the impending ceasefire and shared hope for a positive future with the Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Hussein Al Sheikh, and Minister of Justice, Sharhabel Al Zaeem.