Anti-Semitism
1. DEFINITION
Anti-Semitism as defined by Macquarie Dictionary is “prejudice against Jewish people.” (1)
2. BIBLE REFERENCE
Galatians 5:14-16
“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another”.
3. NSW LEGISLATION
a) Anti Discrimination Act 1977 (2)
Please note, religion is not directly addressed in the Anti Discrimination Act 1977. However, ‘race’ according to the Act does cover ethno-religious origin.
Division 3a Racial Vilification
According to the Anti Discrimination Act 1977, 20B a ‘public act’ of racial vilification is:
“Any form of communication to the public, including speaking, writing, printing, displaying notices, broadcasting, telecasting, screening and playing of tapes or other recorded material. Any conduct observable by the public, including actions and gestures and the wearing or display of clothing, signs, flags, emblems and insignia. The distribution or dissemination of any matter to the public with knowledge that the matter promotes or expresses hatred towards, serious contempt for, or severe ridicule of, a person or group of persons on the ground of the race of the person or members of the group”. (3)
4. HOW YOU CAN ACT
If you experience anti-Semitism in NSW
·If you encounter anti-Semitism you should report it to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, visit: http://www.nswjbd.org/MintDigital.NET/NSWJBD.aspx?XmlNode=/MainNav/Contact+Us/Report+Antisemitic+Incident
· You should obtain as much information as you can about the offender, such as their car registration number.
·Give that information to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
·In extreme circumstances of anti-Semitism, contact the CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies on 9360 1600.
5. AUSTRALIAN JEWISH CENTRES
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies
http://www.nswjbd.org/MintDigital.NET/NSWJBD.aspx?XmlNode=/MainNav/Home
B’nai, B’rith
Anti Defamation Commission
PO Box 443
Kings Cross,
NSW 1340
Tel: (02) 9361 3875
Fax: (02) 9331 3131
Email: bbozdist@ozemail.com.au
Australia/ Israel and Jewish Affairs Council
146 Darlinghurst Road
Sydney NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9360 5415
Fax: (02) 9360 5416
Email: aijac@iprimus.com.au
Executive Council of Australian Jewry
Tel: (03) 9272-5579
Fax: (03) 9272-5540
6. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND FURTHER READING
Bloch, B. & Budai, A. (2005) “Monitoring the borders of Anti-Semitism: Israel and the Australian left since the second intifada”, Anti-Semitism in the Contemporary World,
Australian Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilisation Monash University Melbourne.
Gouttman, R. (2005) “Waiting for Balaam. The New Anti Semitism in Australia?” Quadrant, July-August
Parliamentary Counsel’s Office “Anti-Discrimination Act 1977”
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au
Porszolt, V. (2005) “Antisemites under the bed?”, Antisemitism in the Contemporary World,
Australian Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilisation, Monash University Melbourne
(1) Macquarie Dictionary (2006) “anti-Semitism”:
http://www.macquariedictionary.com.au/202.146.8.4@FFC97123015/-/macshowrecord/1/2/1/1
(2) Parliamentary Counsel’s Office “Anti-Discrimination Act 1977” No 48, Part 1.
www.legislation.nsw.gov.au
(3) Ibid. Part 2, Division 3A, 20B ‘Racial Vilification’