Post by NSW Jewish Board of Deputies

We are devastated and appalled by the overnight stabbing of two Jews in London. It is the latest in an escalating string of attacks against the UK Jewish community. From the firebombing of Jewish institutions and ambulances to the murder of Jews at a synagogue on Yom Kippur, the UK Jewish community is experiencing an epidemic of antisemitism. Sadly, this is a pattern that we are only too familiar with in Australia. The lessons are the same - violent hate speech against Jews directly precedes and incites violent acts against Jews. Hate marches which dominate city streets and hate preachers who can operate with impunity foster an environment in which violence is the logical consequence. Platitudes are not enough to respond to what should be recognised as an emergency in the UK. We stand in unwavering solidarity with British Jews and affirm their fundamental right to live in peace and safety - free from hatred, fear and violence. Antisemitism and terrorism are enduring global threats. They do not resolve themselves, and silence only emboldens them. Confronting them demands a strong and decisive response from governments, institutions and civil society alike.