In a passionate address at Parliament House on October 7, 2023, media personality Erin Molan spoke directly to the Jewish community, emphasizing the need for Australians to confront the rising anti-Semitism in the country. The event, titled “Rally for Light,” was intended to inspire unity but took on a darker tone following recent violent incidents targeting Jewish Australians.
Molan opened her speech by acknowledging the fear present within the community and the lower turnout than expected. “I want to thank you for coming,” she stated, recognizing that many opted to stay home due to concerns about safety. She encouraged those in attendance, describing their presence as a courageous stand against hate.
Reflecting on recent events, including an attack in Bondi, Molan expressed her disappointment over the silence from political leaders and community figures in the wake of violence. “Australians have failed your community in the most horrific of ways,” she declared, highlighting a growing sense of shame among Australians regarding the treatment of their Jewish compatriots.
Molan shared her personal connection to the Jewish community, noting her daughter’s friendships with Jewish children and the support she wished to see from fellow Australians. “When this community should have been embraced, it was made to feel like criminals,” she said, referring to the framing of the situation following the escalation of violence on October 7, when anti-Semitic sentiments surged across the nation.
She condemned the actions and rhetoric of protestors who displayed terrorist flags and chanted slogans that incited hatred. “We cannot fight an evil we refuse to name,” Molan asserted, calling out radical Islam as a clear threat that must be addressed openly. Her emphasis on the need for recognition of this evil resonated deeply within the audience.
Molan’s speech highlighted the stark contrast between the messages from the Jewish community, which she described as seeking peace and understanding, and those of protestors advocating for violence. “The only thing I’ve heard them chant since October 7 is ‘bring them home,’” she stated, reinforcing her call for solidarity against hate.
Throughout her address, Molan invoked the legacy of her late father, Major General Jim Molan, who served Australia in various capacities. She shared how he instilled in her the importance of hope and resilience, emphasizing that the Jewish community should not allow external forces to extinguish their spirit.
The rally concluded with a powerful message of unity and support for the Jewish community. Molan encouraged all Australians to stand against hate and to speak out on behalf of those who have suffered. “In 100 years, our kids’ kids will learn about this moment,” she said, urging the audience to ensure that history reflects a stance of courage and moral integrity rather than silence.
As the rally wrapped up, attendees were left with a renewed sense of purpose. The event served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against anti-Semitism in Australia and the vital role that every individual can play in fostering an inclusive society.
