‘The hate must stop’: Melbourne stars take a stand against unacceptable rise of anti-Semitism

A line-up of major Victorian identities have united to take a stand against the scourge of hatred towards Victorian Jews as one of the worst waves of anti-Semitism in history sweeps the nation.

Some of Melbourne’s biggest names are taking a stand against the scourge of hatred towards Victorian Jews, calling it unacceptable, un-Australian and warning that our reputation as a beacon of multiculturalism is on the line.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said community leaders have a responsibility to call out anti-Semitism. Picture: Dylan Burns

As one of the worst waves of anti-Semitism in history sweeps across the nation and the firebombing of a Ripponlea synagogue hit headlines around the world, major Victorian identities including sporting leaders, film and TV personalities, hospitality bosses and the business community have united to declare ‘enough is enough’.

Among those calling for action against anti-Semitism is former AFL chief and new TAB boss Gillon McLachlan who said it was unacceptable that “our Jewish neighbours are living in fear”.

“There’s a difference between geopolitical debate and racism,” he told the Herald Sun.

“The discourse in Australia has shifted from geopolitics to anti-Semitism, and as community leaders we all have a responsibility to call it out.

“We must stand with them and eradicate racism so we can return to the safe communities that make Australia one of the most successful multicultural nations in the world.”

Australian actress Rachel Griffiths, who grew up alongside the Jewish community in Melbourne’s southeast, acknowledged the plight of Palestinians but said Victoria’s Jewish community should not be targeted in retaliation.

“This is a community I live in. It’s a community I buy my bread from. I have deep friendships and history in this community,” she said.

Australian actress Rachel Griffiths said Victoria’s Jewish community should not be targeted in retaliation of the plight of Palestinians. Picture: Canty Creative

“I have enormous empathy for Palestinian Australians who have family in that situation. But that doesn’t shut off my heart from having empathy for Jewish Australians.

“What really distresses me in this is that I feel like if we don’t stand up now, we are giving up a fundamental part of our Australian identity.”

Media mogul Eddie McGuire said the horrors in the Middle East highlight the importance of

defending multiculturalism in Victoria and across Australia.

“We must fight here in Melbourne to be the beacon of hope,” he said.

Eddie McGuire urged Melburnians to be ‘the beacon of hope’. Picture: Getty

“Where people are free to live their lives in safety, enjoy the traditions of their heritage and religion and grow under the great ‘blue sky’ and new beginnings Australia provides.”

The TV presenter said we “can’t accept any attack on that opportunity for everyone in our community.”.

Paul Guerra said attacks on the state’s Jewish community was becoming a ‘damaging chapter of Victoria’s history’. Picture: Supplied

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra said the ongoing attacks on the state’s Jewish community was “becoming a sad and damaging chapter of Victoria’s history and the hate must stop”.

While the state’s restaurant community has also rallied in support.

Culinary king Chris Lucas said the “dark clouds of anti-Semitism” has “no place in our caring society”.

“As a child of immigrants Australia was and always has been a country of fairness and equality,” he said.

Culinary king Chris Lucas urged Australians to stand together against the ongoing hatred. Picture: Supplied

“It’s these values that have shaped my life and my unwavering belief in the power of diversity in this amazing country.”

“Our beloved hospitality industry, that makes Melbourne the envy of the world, has been built on diversity, on the exchange of ideas and cultures.

“I urge everyone to stand together against hate in all its forms and create spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. That is the Australia I know and love.”

Prominent Jewish leader Jeremy Leibler welcomed the public condemnation of Jewish-hate.

“The community has been humbled by the public and private displays of support, and we encourage others to speak up to stamp out the hate,” he said.