By COLlive reporter
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held a round-table discussion with the country’s leading rabbis on Friday.
The meeting between Albanese and representatives of the Rabbinical Councils from New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia was held at The Central Synagogue in Sydney.
The purpose was to tackle the pressing issues of antisemitism, its impact on our community and the need for continued support for Israel. The Prime Minister expressed his concern and acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“Antisemitism has no place in Australia,” he stated. “Students must feel safe at university classes. Families must feel safe in their own neighborhoods. People must feel safe to practice their faith in peace.”
Albanese reiterated his unequivocal commitment to the fight against antisemitism and our right to live with full expression of our Jewish identity, as well as our deep historic connection to Israel.
“My Government will always stand for the freedom of all Australians to express and explore their faith. To strengthen their sense of identity through their faith. And to teach their children about their faith, and the faith of their ancestors.”
“It was an evocative, informative and productive meeting,” commented Rabbi Levi Wolff of The Central Synagogue. He said, “we wanted to take the temperature of the on-going difficulties our community has faced since that tragic day in October.“
Regarding Israel, Albanese stated Israel’s right to exist in peace and security, and to defend against its enemies.
“It is meetings like these that we hope will increase the Government’s efforts to address our concerns,” Rabbi Wolff noted.
“We are most grateful to all the attendees for their time, energy and focus on our community in this challenging fever-pitched climate.”
והמעשה הוא העיקר
If our local Australian Rabbinical Councils had any integrity or guts, they would have told Albo that they refuse to meet with him until his Foreign Minister retracts her despicable anti Semitic positions and, they will not meet with him until he, as Prime Minister, stands up both verbally and with actions, to protect the Jews of Australia from the present onslaught of anti Semitism. The Rabbinical Councils, by meeting with Albo, are sending a message that they are approving of Albo and his government’s coddling and pandering to the anti Semitic extremists. These Rabbis are not only giving comfort… Read more »