Ex-governor hits out at Palestine rally ‘hate speech’

A former Victorian Governor, who is Jewish, has hit out at what she describes as “hate speech” at pro-Palestine rallies and called for more action against antisemitism.

A former state governor urged political leaders to take stronger action against antisemitism and blasted what she described as “hate speech” at pro-Palestine rallies.

Former Victorian governor Linda Dessau, who served in the role from 2015 to 2023 and describes herself as a Jewish Australian, said antisemitism had erupted in the community.

“Right throughout from our political leaders throughout the community, I don’t think there’s been a strong enough response,” she told Nine’s Neil Mitchell Asks Why podcast, released on Tuesday.

Police are investigating a string of attacks in Melbourne against Jewish places of worship and businesses with ties to Israel, including fires at two synagogues.

Recently some protesters at a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne chanted “Death to the IDF (Israeli Defence Force)” which Ms Dessau described as hate speech.

It came the same weekend as one of the synagogue fires and violence erupted outside an Israeli-owned restaurant in the city.

“We call it the what it is, totally unacceptable, and we call out the hate speech, and we prosecute people,” she said.

“We make it clear that we won’t accept it, that’s very different from saying we don’t agree with what Israel’s doing in Gaza or elsewhere.”

The former barrister and magistrate said the Australian community took a stand against Islamophobia in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in the United States and a 2019 mosque massacre in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“Jewish Australians, as well as Australians from all different backgrounds, were very quick to ensure that Muslims didn’t feel that they were being treated differently because of what had happened on September 11,” Ms Dessau told the broadcaster.

She said a similar act of solidarity happened after the NZ shooting when people stood “shoulder to shoulder” outside the State Library in central Melbourne.

“The (Jewish) community feels let down for the very reasons that you’ve just pointed out so eloquently,” she told the broadcaster.

“That in other instances, these things have been stopped right at the source and they should have been here, too.”

David Southwick MP, Liberal Member for Caulfield and Shadow Minister for Police said, “I commend Linda Dessau for her powerful words. Hate speech and violent antisemitism must never be tolerated, let alone excused. Political leaders at every level have failed to respond with the urgency and strength to keep our community safe.”

“This is Melbourne, not the Middle East. Our streets should never be a platform for people to chant ‘Death to the IDF’ or torch synagogues. That’s hate speech,  pure and simple, and it must be prosecuted. We don’t need more taskforces; we need leadership with the courage to act.”

“When Jewish families are afraid to walk to synagogue or send their kids to school, something has gone terribly wrong. Leaders have been too slow, too weak and too silent.”

“The Opposition continues to call for tougher laws, faster police action, and an unambiguous stance against all forms of hate. These are not protests. This is hate being normalised and it’s time to draw a hard line.”

Political leaders including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan have condemned the synagogue fires and attacks on businesses with links to Israel.

Two men have separately been charged over those fires.

A state anti-hate taskforce has been established and anti-vilification laws are due to come into force in September.

The Victorian government is also drafting laws to ban protests outside places of worship and demonstrators wearing face coverings.

Jillian Segal, Australia’s special envoy to combat anti-Semitism, has recommended a review of laws around anti-Semitic and hateful conduct, including violent or intimidating protests.

Report from AAP with David Marlow/J-Wire