Glen Eira Council denies anti-Semitic claims after refusing request for One Nation event

GLEN Eira Mayor Mary Delahunty has denied claims the council is “anti-Semitic”, following its decision to knock back a One Nation event hosted by a conservative Jewish group at a council venue.

Glen Eira mayor Mary Delahunty is angered at claims the council is anti-Semitic. Picture: Chris Eastman

GLEN Eira Mayor Mary Delahunty has denied claims of the council being “anti-Semitic”, following the decision to knock back a One Nation event hosted by a conservative Jewish group.

The claims were sparked from an unusual invitation by IDF Training gym owner and community leader Avi Yemini to One Nation senators Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts, to speak to members of the Jewish community in Caulfield next month.

The pair was invited to speak about Islamic immigration and other controversial topics such as changes to Freedom of Speech laws.

But the council refused to allow the meeting to take place in the Caulfield town hall or any other Glen Eira Council building.

And Mr Yemini says he has now been forced to host the meeting at his gym on December 4.

Cr Delahunty said in a Facebook post: “I strongly reject the assertion that our inability to provide a venue for this event is associated in any way with politics or religious views.

“Council has a long history of productive and valued relationships with the local Jewish community and its peak bodies, and I am highly offended that it would be suggested otherwise.”

Cr Delahunty told the Leader the application sent by Mr Yemini to use a council venue to hold the One Nation event was treated the same as every other applicant they assess.

One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson has been invited to speak to a Jewish group in Glen Eira in December. Picture: AAP

“Council’s facilities are available to all, but at short notice and at one of the busiest times of year, we were unable to safely accommodate a venue for 100-plus people plus the associated protesters and demonstrators without cancelling other long-held private bookings or community services on the day,” Cr Delahunty said.

“The comments made by One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts that the council is anti-Semitic are highly offensive,” she said.

“I met with Senator Malcolm Roberts yesterday and expressed my outrage that commentary from his office was not only inaccurate, but serving to fuel discriminatory sentiment and division in our community.”

Mr Yemini said there was nothing wrong with inviting two elected Australian senators to speak to the Jewish community.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with taking the initiative and creating a chance for my community to meet with people in positions of power,” Mr Yemini said.

“I do believe the council is discriminating based on the fact that I am Jewish with views that don’t suit their agenda,” he said.

IDF Training gym owner and community leader Avi Yemini has invited One Nation to speak in Glen Eira. Picture: Chris Eastman

“While Glen Eira Council is continuing to play their games, we’ve decided to simply move the event to a private location.”

One Nation spokesman Sean Black said Glen Eira Council were acting as “Big Brother”, who were attempting to control the Jewish community.

“The council shouldn’t decide what events the Jewish community wish to attend — it’s up to them as individuals,” Mr Black said.

Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich said Senator Roberts was wrong to play the anti-Semitism card.

“As an organisation that combats real anti-Semitism on a daily basis, we are alarmed that Senator Roberts has carelessly levelled this loaded charge to protest the decision by Glen Eira Council and to suggest that it is motivated by anti-Jewish prejudice,” Dr Abramovich said.

For the One Nation meeting details find IDF Training on Facebook.