Hundreds of leaders condemn racism ‘in all its forms’
Hundreds of business, political, sport, media and community leaders have signed a letter condemning racism after a huge rise in offensive language, vandalism and harassment across Australia.
Data collected by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry showed there had been a 591 per cent increase in reported incidents of anti-Semitism in Australia this year.
Tensions have been particularly high since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7.
The letter, published in all major newspapers on Tuesday, takes a stand against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and any form of racism in workplaces, hiring practices and business dealings.
“We are unequivocal in our resolve that racism in all its forms is deplorable and abhorrent,” it said.
“Whether directed towards Jewish Australians, Muslim Australians, Asian Australians, Indigenous Australians or any other minority, we will not tolerate such conduct in our workplaces and firmly reject it in our communities.”
The letter also specifically reaches out to Jewish employees, business partners and customers.
“We acknowledge the heightened feelings of threat being felt by your community right now and affirm your right to physical and psychological safety,” it said.
“Together, we are united in our support of an Australia where all citizens are treated with respect, inclusivity and dignity.”
Signatories include former politicians Daniel Andrews, Gladys Berejiklian, Josh Frydenberg and Alan Tudge, former AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, media magnates Kerry Stokes and Lachlan Murdoch and billionaire businessman Anthony Pratt.
Islamophobia Register Australia has also been flooded with a 13-fold increase in reporting rates, averaging more than 30 reports a week since October 7.
The 227 incidents to last Friday included the harassment of worshippers at mosques, Muslim women being spat at and verbal abuse.
AAP
