Former prime minister Scott Morrison apologises to Jewish community in huge Sydney rally

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has apologised to the country’s Jewish community as more than 10,000 people rallied to say no to anti-Semitism in Sydney.

Scott Morrison and Warren Mundine at the anti-Semitism rally in the Domain, in Sydney’s CBD, on Sunday. Picture: John Feder

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has apologised to the country’s Jewish community, which has found “isolation instead of consolation”, as more than 10,000 people rallied to say no to anti-Semitism in Sydney.

The “Never Again Is Now” Christian-led multi-faith rally in the Domain called on Australians to stand together with the Jewish community amid rising anti-­Semitism.

Mr Morrison told the crowd that the Jewish community had found themselves isolated in Australia, praying for sustainable peace in the region.

“We’re deeply sorry that in your greatest need as Australians, as Jewish Australians in this country – in your country – (that) instead of finding consolation, on too many occasions you’ve found isolation,” he said.

“Peace is not simply the absence of conflict, which we all wish to see for Israelis and Palestinians alike, but the presence of freedom and justice behind secure borders, where people can live free from oppression, fear and persecution.”

Mr Morrison’s belief that a “two-state solution must be our goal” was met with a smattering of boos and shouts of no, but the outgoing Cook MP said it must be two states focused on peace.

“It cannot just be any two states; they must be two capable states that are competent and focused on the welfare, freedom, security advancement and flourish­ing of their people – regardless of their religion, their ethnicity, language and background,” he said.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison at an anti-Semitism rally in The Domain, Sydney, on Sunday. Picture: John Feder

Indigenous leader Warren Mundine cited rising anti-Semitism, referencing the scenes at a pro-Palestine rally at the Sydney Opera House on October 9.

“Australian Jews, like all Australians, were let down – the ­haters, the anti-Semitic mob, won that night,” he said, adding that “society was under threat”.

“We will stand shoulder to shoulder again in this modern­ ­battle against anti-Semitism – push back the hate, mate.”

The rally was part-organised by the reverend Mark Leach, who was the only person arrested on the night of October 9 – for unfurling an Israeli flag.

NSW police said in February that an audio expert had confirmed that alleged chants of “gas the Jews” were rather shouts of “where’s the Jews?”.

Jewish leaders said the latter was equally as inciting. Police said that chants of “f..k the Jews”, among other slurs, were heard.

Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie said Australians wanted “peace for Israel, peace for Palestinians … Palestinians have also suffered from the hands of Hamas, (who are) nothing but a terrorist organisation.”

Mr Morrison said Australian Jews had been met with “isolation”. Picture: John Feder

Jakica Lippmann’s father-in-law was the only one of his parents, parents-in-law and siblings to survive the Holocaust.

“It’s horrific what they (the hostages) have gone through,” the 66-year-old said. “To see now that people stand with us… I have been wondering where are you?”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the rally sent a “powerful message” to hate preachers and conspiracy theorists. The peak Jewish body said there had been a 738 per cent rise in serious anti-Semitic incidents in the two months from October 7.

“As our community experiences unprecedented levels of anti-Semitism including blacklists and boycotts of Jews, attacks on businesses and vicious abuse and harassment, the solidarity of fellow Australians means so much to us.”