Family First has urged the New South Wales government to illuminate the Sydney Opera House sails with the Star of David in a bid to combat rising antisemitism in Australia. The call comes on the heels of heightened tensions and violence affecting the Jewish community, particularly following the tragic events on October 7, 2023, which saw a massacre in Israel.
Lyle Shelton, the National Director of Family First, stated that lighting the Opera House in such a manner would convey a strong message that antisemitism is contrary to Australian values. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating that Jewish Australians and Israeli citizens are welcome in the country. “This would send a powerful message that antisemitism and Jew hatred is unAustralian,” Shelton said.
Shelton condemned the ongoing violence targeting Jews, pointing to the atrocities experienced both in Israel and on Australian soil. He expressed concern that the government has failed to adequately address public displays of support for violence against Jews. “Sadly our government has not stamped out public acts of support of violence and even rewarded it by recognizing a Palestinian state,” he remarked.
The Family First leader also highlighted the troubling behavior of some Muslim leaders. He referenced comments from Sheik Dadoun, who has publicly supported Hamas and Hezbollah, particularly evident during a recent celebration of the October 7 attacks in Bankstown. “When Muslim leaders are calling for Hamas and Hezbollah to be de-listed as terrorist organizations in Australia and describing Hamas’s use of civilians in Gaza as human shields as ‘resistance,’ we should not be surprised when violence visits our nation,” Shelton stated.
Shelton’s remarks followed a series of protests that have taken place across Australia over the past two years, with some demonstrators calling for violence against Jews. He pointed to protests where chants of “from the river to the sea” and “death to the IDF” were prevalent, suggesting that such rhetoric has contributed to a climate where violence could emerge. “Tragically last night’s massacre did not happen in a vacuum,” he said, criticizing political leaders for their perceived inaction in the face of escalating antisemitism.
In his remarks, Shelton also praised the bravery of a Muslim shop owner who intervened during an attack, noting that there are individuals within the Muslim community who embody the best of Australian values. “Clearly there are Muslims who represent the best of what it means to be Australian. Sadly, there are too many Australian Muslim leaders and other Australians who were prepared to turn a blind eye to the October 7 atrocities so they could fuel antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in Australia,” he commented.
Family First extended its condolences to Australia’s Jewish community, as well as to the families affected by the recent violence. Shelton concluded by reiterating the need for a united front against antisemitism, calling for concerted action to ensure the safety and acceptance of all communities within Australia.
