I demand that all textbooks containing pernicious vilification of Jews be recalled, and yes, a public apology to the Jewish communities of Australia, and some major deprogramming of all the little kids indoctrinated by this vile book be conducted as well. How can we prevent antisemitism when it is endorsed by the Government and used to ‘educate’ our kids? Get a grip, Cambridge University Press. Get a grip also The Education Department. Shame on you both.

yours truly disgusted,
Tanya Arons

Mr Mark O’Neil
Executive Director
Cambridge University Press Australia and New Zealand

Dear Mr O’Neill,

I am writing to you in relation to reports in today’s media about the Cambridge University Press’ 2009 edition of Cambridge Studies of Religion Stage 6. I was appalled, shocked and horrified (indeed, none of these terms do justice to what I am feeling) to read that this textbook contains blatantly antisemitic allegations that would not be out of place in Hitler’s Mein Kampf.

According to the reports that I have read in the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Jewish News and on jwire.com.au, the book – as you are no doubt aware by now – contains allegations like, “Much modern conflict in the world is related to the reactions of other groups to the Jewish people”, and that polygamy is widely practised among Israelis. Such allegations are not simply erroneous; they are pernicious. They paint a highly negative picture of Jews and Judaism and provide fodder for racists.

I am a fifth generation Australian and a proud member of the Sydney Jewish community. Unfortunately, I am occasionally the victim of antisemitism, be it verbal or physical. Despite the existence of racial vilification legislation, and the good work of so many human rights organisations to promote intercultural understanding, racism and antisemitism remain a fact of life in modern day Australia. As I am sure you can appreciate, the existence of materials containing crude racist sentiment serve to fuel outbreaks of abuse and violence against Jews and other minorities. It is, therefore, astounding that a reputable publishing house like Cambridge University Press would produce a textbook that could similarly serve to foster anti-Jewish sentiment among its young, impressionable readers.

I echo the call of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies that you immediately withdraw this textbook from retail outlets and that you recall all existing copies that have been distributed to schools. Additionally, a public apology to the Jewish community (and to all people of good conscience) would also not go astray.

I await your prompt response.

Yours in consternation,