ADC condemns violent antisemitic attack on Melbourne train
MEDIA RELEASE 31 May 2007
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) strongly condemns the recent violent antisemitic attack on a Melbourne train.
A visible member of the local Jewish community was first harassed due to his religion with comments such as “give us your hat” (referring to his yalmulka or Jewish male head covering) by a group of approximately six olive skin youths on a Melbourne train heading towards the CBD. When the victim ignored the group’s harassment they decided to surround him and act in a more threatening manner. The victim was then hit on the back of his head, apparently with a newspaper. Fearing a further escalation, as the victim attempted to leave the area the group tried to trip him over.
ADC Executive Officer Mr Manny Waks accompanied the victim to the Caulfield Police station to lodge a formal complaint.
In a statement issued today, Mr Waks commented:
"The B'nai B'rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) strongly condemns this recent violent antisemitic attack. It is reprehensible and of great concern that such attacks are becoming all too common in this generally peaceful community. Such behaviour is inexcusable and we urge the authorities to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice. We do not want to get to a situation like in some parts of Europe where Jews fear wearing traditional Jewish items such as a yalmulka as it may make them a target of antisemitism. Through relentless police action, a strong message must be sent out to the community that such behaviour will not be tolerated in this wonderful country of ours under any circumstances."
Ends.
The B'nai B'rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) is the human rights arm of B'nai B'rith Australia/New Zealand and is dedicated to combating antisemitism and all forms of racism.
The views expressed in this Media Release are that of the organisation alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the individual Council of Advisors.
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