Large number of city leaders assemble in Australia to confront escalating anti-Semitism
In a significant gathering aimed at combating antisemitism, the latest international mayoral summit organised by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) took place in Australia. The event, which attracted a diverse array of community partners and notable speakers, was held with the support of organisations such as the ECAJ, QJBD, the Queensland Holocaust Museum, and Never Again Is Now (NAIN).
Robert Singer, a member of the CAM Advisory Board, underscored the importance of mayors and local leaders in the fight against antisemitism, emphasising their influence at the grassroots level. Lorraine Finlay, Australian Human Rights Commissioner, also participated in the event, lending her voice to the cause.
The summit, which marked CAM's continued efforts to address antisemitism worldwide, had previous iterations in cities such as Athens, Greece, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dortmund, Germany, and Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Sharona Nazarian, Mayor of Beverly Hills, California, expressed her concern about the spread of hate, stating, "what starts with the Jews never ends with the Jews."
The event was graced by the presence of notable figures, including Julia Gillard, former Australian Prime Minister, and Sussan Ley, Australian Opposition Leader. Nova Peris, Australia's First Indigenous Female Federal Parliamentarian and Olympic Gold Medalist, was also present.
In a powerful statement, Dr. Nazarian emphasised the need for collective action, stating, "We must stand together, united, to combat antisemitism and all forms of hatred." Alex Ryvchin, Co-CEO of the ECAJ, echoed this sentiment, stating that denial of antisemitism is a major hindrance in combating it.
The summit also featured speeches from Amir Maimon, Israeli Ambassador to Australia, and Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israeli Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism. The event concluded with the announcement of upcoming mayoral summits in Paris, France, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
The next international conference against antisemitism by the Combat Antisemitism Movement will take place in Werneuchen, furthering the organisation's commitment to combating antisemitism worldwide. The Australian summit serves as a testament to the global collaboration required to address this pressing issue.
