We are becoming so used to doom-and-gloom, even in what has traditionally been a tolerant Australia – my birthplace and a country still close to my heart, despite me having lived in Israel since 2000. I have posted about some of it: antisemitism and terror support at protests, the doxxing of Jews, and antisemitic politicians and celebrities amongst other things.
It sends chills down my spine to think Australia could be home to such hate.
Yet it is heartening to know there are many Aussies who won’t stand for it – as we witnessed yesterday, Sunday Feb 18, at the Christian-led Never Again is Now rally in Sydney, where over 10,000 people came out in a show of love and support for Jews and the Jewish state.
The entire event was broadcast live on Facebook. I have taken some of the best speeches and added subtitles, before posting them to social media. These include:
Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (who was once awarded ‘Jerusalem Prize’, in recognition of his outstanding support and friendship for the State of Israel):
Former Australian Prime Minister @ScoMo30 with some powerful words of support for #Israel and the Jewish people at today's @neveragainanz rally in #Sydney against antisemitism. #NeverAgainIsNow pic.twitter.com/6LSF5ansx8
— (((David Lange))) (@Israellycool) February 18, 2024
Indigenous Australian activist Warren Mundine, a longstanding friend of Israel and the Jewish people:
In his powerful speech, our indigenous brother @nyunggai spoke of the long legacy of Australia's Aboriginals, Torres Strait Islanders, South Sea Islanders and Jews standing shoulder to shoulder fighting injustice. @NeverAgainANZ #NeverAgainIsNow https://t.co/xDjVYJhtfK pic.twitter.com/AJc5thuvyF
— (((David Lange))) (@Israellycool) February 18, 2024
Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie, whose raw, emotional speech will definitely win her more fans:
Tasmanian senator @JacquiLambie was not afraid to tell it like it is in her passionate speech at the @NeverAgainANZ rally, telling the large #Sydney crowd, amongst other things, “The only good terrorist is a bloody dead terrorist!” #NeverAgainIsNow https://t.co/Hk0AEneQbj pic.twitter.com/0zj6HDkthC
— (((David Lange))) (@Israellycool) February 18, 2024
Senator Hollie Hughes, who also has a strong record of standing up for the Jewish state:
Liberal senator #HollieHughes – a self-proclaimed "Zionist" – was another one to show her steadfast support for the Jewish community at the @neveragainanz rally. #NeverAgainIsNow https://t.co/ZXkTclNcRp pic.twitter.com/DgJfvG28hH
— (((David Lange))) (@Israellycool) February 18, 2024
and this Australian-Iranian man, who called out the Iranian mullah regime as one of the primary drivers of antisemitism in the world:
One of the memorable speakers at the @NeverAgainANZ rally was a member of the Iranian-Australian community, who called out the Iranian mullah regime as one of the primary drivers of #antisemitism in the world. Thank you for your support! 🇮🇷 🇮🇱 https://t.co/HPg9FEs1gy pic.twitter.com/THCgqNSA6m
— (((David Lange))) (@Israellycool) February 18, 2024
Here are some more highlights from the day:
I needed this – and I suspect many of you do too.
Missing from the rally were any calls for violence against palestinian Arabs or other expressions of unbridled hatred, like we have seen at the anti-Israel rallies – which speaks volumes about the respective morality of both sides.
