More than 600 of Australia’s business, political, sporting and community leaders have joined forces and signed a statement to reject hatred and discrimination in the face of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Among the 600 signatories are at least six Australians of Greek heritage, including Andrew Demetriou, Pat Stragalinos AM, the Hon. Philip Dalidakis, Managing Partner, Orizontas Group; George Donikian, Donikian Media; Constantine Frantzeskos, Founder, Non Executive Director; and Peter Mastos, Partner, Sayers Group.
According to the Australian Financial Review, the statement condemns all forms of discrimination that have been unleashed since the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7 last month.
“Over the last seven weeks, a 482 per cent rise in antisemitic incidents has swept Australia’s shores,” the statement reads.
“We have been alarmed at the offensive language, vandalism and harassment occurring on our streets, university campuses and outside public Australian landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Flinders Street Station and parliament.
“We are unequivocal in our resolve that racism in all its forms is deplorable and abhorrent. 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.”
Members of the Jewish community say the rise in anti-Semitism, which coincided with Israel’s harsh response to the Hamas terror attacks, is by far the worst they have witnessed in their lifetimes.
Source: Australian Financial Review.
