The Rise of Prejudice

Seeing what is happening in the world is really disturbing. However, I find it heartening to see the response of good people, the medical board, and our government stepping in and speaking out.

The two nurses who made horrific antisemitic statements have been deregistered and will never work in the medical system again in Australia. They may never get work again. They have destroyed their own lives. The response was immediate. The public was shocked to realise this could happen in our hospitals. The hospital’s medical staff reacted swiftly by forming a rally with signs to ensure the public that they treat their patients equally according to their needs. Race and religion don’t come into it.

The Impact on Jewish Communities: Feeling Safe in Our Own Homes

This event reminds us that we need to speak out. Antisemitism attacks have been happening right around the country. It is time for us collectively to speak out against this. Our Jewish friends and citizens don’t deserve this.

A couple of months ago, I heard a young Jewish girl playing with her friends saying, “Antisemitism is bad.” Why should she even know what that is? She should be free to play and grow up in our free society. There should be no need for her to be afraid of sharing with the world that she is Jewish. No one should. Then again, it should not be an issue.

My religious beliefs and practices are rarely questioned. Why should it be any different for anyone? I had a Chocolate and Coffee Break with a Jewish woman last year. She told of the emotional trauma Jewish people are dealing with. They don’t know if they are safe. They must engage in extra security around their homes, schools, businesses, and social lives. They question whether, if someone finds out they are Jewish, it will be a problem. Will it put their safety at risk?

It should not be like this, especially in Australia.

LGBTIQ+ Rights: A Global Struggle Against Discrimination

This problem goes beyond religion. The other day, I heard about a business backing away from its involvement in LGBTIQ+ engagement for political reasons. I questioned this. As far as I know, things are improving for our Rainbow friends in Australia. They can be more open about who they are, and we are embracing their different use of pronouns. I was told it was because of what was happening in the US. The LGBTIQ+ community there is becoming afraid of being public in fear of ridicule. They have been sacked from defence force positions, and who knows what is next.

I read this morning about people of certain ethnic backgrounds in the US being afraid to leave their homes. They fear being rounded up and taken to prison as the quest to deport immigrants continues. Being legally in the country doesn’t protect them from being caught up or deported.

Breaking the Silence: Speaking Up Against Hate

I question how it is that this is happening. The world’s consciousness has been rising. People care about others beyond the barriers of race, religion, colour, ability, or sexuality. We know that every person has a right to be who they are. They have a right to feel safe, to have food and the medical care they need. They are worthy of a place in the world.

Nine years ago, when I started Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony, it was the Muslim people who were dealing with this type of prejudice. They were often afraid for their safety. We must stop this cycle, and it is up to each one of us.

We can’t make a difference by being armchair activists, yelling out at the TV that this isn’t right. We must speak up!

From Passive to Active: How You Can Make a Difference

Not all of us can write words or have a public voice, so how can you make a difference? I asked this of my Jewish friend. “What can I do?” Her response was: reach out to our Jewish friends and tell them we care. Let them know that we are there for them. This goes for all people. Anyone who is a victim of any of this prejudice needs your support. Be there for them and with them.

Speak to your friends. Don’t be afraid of this topic. Tell them how you feel. Support those who do speak out. Go beyond just liking a social media post. Comment and share it. When you see any of this abuse happening, stand up for the victim. Those around you will support you. Keep in mind we are the majority. It is time for us to stop being silent.