Leaders unite against antisemitism
Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Reserve Bank board member Elana Rubin have launched the Dor Foundation, a new initiative dedicated to combating rising antisemitism and promoting social cohesion in Australia.
Josh Frydenberg
The launch took place at the firebombed Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, a site chosen to underscore the urgency of the foundation’s mission. “Australia must no longer tolerate the intolerant,” Frydenberg told The Australian. “This is not about what is happening in the Middle East, it’s about what is happening in Australia, it’s about the type of society we are.”
The non-partisan foundation unites Jewish and non-Jewish Australians to address the alarming increase in antisemitic incidents nationwide, particularly in universities and online spaces. Rubin, describing the synagogue attack as “confronting,” emphasized the foundation’s long-term commitment to data-driven research and impactful initiatives. “We will work with all groups in the community to rebuild an accepting and strong Australian society,” she stated.
The Dor Foundation boasts a diverse and influential board, including Nina Bassat, director of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum; Professor Jennifer Westacott, chancellor of Western Sydney University; Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, former Optus CEO; and Suzi Carp, former chair of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. It aims to bolster existing efforts against hate and educate Australians about the dangers of antisemitism. Through partnerships with institutions, businesses, and civil society, the foundation will develop programs and resources to counter misinformation and prejudice.
The Hebrew word “dor” means generation. It reflects the commitment of the organisation to pass the values of respect and tolerance – l’dor vador – from one generation to the next.
The foundation’s planned work includes educational initiatives, policy advocacy, and engagement with community leaders to reinforce Australian values of respect and inclusivity. In-depth research into the root causes of antisemitism is a priority, as is collaboration with other communities facing discrimination. The foundation also aims to empower individuals and groups to actively promote tolerance and social harmony.
Elana Rubin
Frydenberg, who has previously expressed concern about the government’s response to rising antisemitism, reiterated to The Australian the foundation’s political neutrality. “Over the last 15 months, we’ve seen the Jewish community subject to an intensity in antisemitism in Australia that we’ve never ever seen before,” he said. “We are focused as a group of Jewish and non-Jewish Australians on trying to turn back that tide of hate by building more resilience and tolerance across our community.”
The foundation is particularly concerned about the rise of antisemitic rhetoric on university campuses, where Jewish students have reported feeling increasingly unsafe, and in digital spaces, which have become breeding grounds for hate speech and extremist narratives. By addressing these issues directly, the Dor Foundation hopes to create lasting change and a more inclusive society.
Rubin outlined her personal experience, noting that during her education in Melbourne, she never felt threatened for being Jewish. “I think we all want to reclaim the open and accepting environments that we probably experienced ourselves,” she said.
Professor Westacott, a non-Jewish supporter of the foundation, emphasized that rising antisemitism is a threat to all Australians. “As an educator and business person, I have seen a dangerous rise in antisemitism, which I believe is a threat to Australia’s way of life”. “As a non-Jewish person, I see myself as having a moral responsibility to be part of a movement to stamp out antisemitism.”
The Dor Foundation, with its research-driven approach and broad base of support, aspires to create a future where Australian communities unite against intolerance and bigotry. By fostering understanding, building partnerships, and empowering individuals to challenge hate, the foundation believes it can contribute to a stronger and more united Australia. “This is about the kind of Australia we want to live in,” Frydenberg concluded.
