December 16, 2015
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has denounced the comments by Glen Eira Councillor Oscar Lobo in which he appears to pin the blame on the Jewish community for the threat of violence it is facing. According to news reports, during a discussion about the need for increased security for the Jewish community, Councillor Lobo stated that “Maybe people in that community wouldn’t have to worry about being attacked if they didn’t draw attention to themselves,”
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“Once again, Jews are being blamed for being the victims of racial and religious violence and it’s not OK. This is one of the oldest and most pernicious anti-Semitic myths— that Jews are responsible for the vicious and irrational hatred and prejudice directed against them, and it must be rejected. Would Councillor Lobo tell women that they would not have to worry about rape if they did not draw attention to themselves? At a time of rising anti-Jewish bigotry and the threat of terrorism, it is critical that we say in one voice that anti-Semitism is caused by anti-Semites, not by Jews, and turn our attention to the challenge of protecting our communities and society. We call on Councillor Lobo to deeply reflect on why his simplistic and counterproductive statement was so wrong, and to unreservedly apologise for his thoughtless and hurtful words. We expect our elected officials to promote unity, not stoke the flames of division. ”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677
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