Published: 24 September 2024
Last updated: 25 September 2024
As a son of migrant parents from Sicily, I was happy to have found my place in the politically progressive northern suburbs of Melbourne where I have lived all my life. When my electorate was named the most progressive in the country, I felt so proud to be a part of this tribe.
How could I not be proud? It seemed to be a vibrant and inclusive community made up of conscientious, educated Australians who love the environment, truth, fairness, and justice. It was the obvious group to align myself with to overcome the ‘brokenness’ I saw in the world.
We saved the Preston Market from greedy developers, we grow gardens and live sustainably with our front yard composts, we share old baby clothes and ride bikes to the park. We voted for marriage equality, welcome refugees and campaigned for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Voice Islander Voice to Parliament. We understood the science of Covid-19 and understand the threat of climate change. What a perfect team!
However, post-October 7 I can’t help but feel that I have lost my tribe. The bigotry and vitriol I have seen directed towards Jews is beyond belief. This is not only seen through archaic antisemitic tropes once again openly spouted but to a new bigotry in the guise of ‘anti-Zionism’.
The fact that these views are not just apparent among the fringes of society or extremists but within political parties, institutions, and our mainstream society at large is devastating. I cannot begin to imagine the trauma this would ignite, both personal and intergenerational, in the Jewish community. It is not fair to have former allies and trusted platforms be so misguided.
How can the same people that I once considered fair and reasonable perpetrate such hate?
Take the media as an example; Sky News and The Australian disturb me with 90% of their content but they align almost perfectly with my views on the issue of Hamas and Israel. Meanwhile, the ABC which I had believed was a bastion of intellectual rigour has become lazy, if not downright hateful, in their presentation of the very same news. I have been in freefall ever since as I find myself struggling to find my allies.
Comments10
Katherine Sciglitano2 October at 12:21 pm
Your students are lucky to have you. Supporting young people with ‘how’ to think and not what to think is the ultimate, long-lasting contribution we can make to their education. I wish that all students everywhere are given the opportunity to learn these skills, rather than being told which position to take on any given issue. I enjoyed reading your article Matthew.
Deborah Reed27 September at 04:27 pm
We are so lucky to have your thoughtful, reasoned and educated leadership guiding our teachers and students.
Yossi26 September at 11:52 am
This is a brilliant piece. Regrettably many people seem to throw logic out the window to create a space for their antisemitism. Sunlight has always been the best disinfectant.
Maddie26 September at 08:37 am
Thank you so much Matthew for your wonderful article. Keep writing.
Sigal26 September at 06:21 am
Thank you so much for your beautifully written article and for being a true friend of the Jewish community (we sure need as many of those these days). As an ex staff member, who always loved Bialik, I can understand your feelings of belonging. It is a beautiful community to belong to, and I’m happy you can feel this. All the best to you and continue to make a difference in this world and be an up-stander for all of us.
Elana Roseth25 September at 02:25 am
Thank you for understanding and so beautifully expressing it.
Louise25 September at 01:00 am
Thank you so much for your thoughtful article.
Richard Codron24 September at 12:57 pm
Thank you for this great article
Fiona24 September at 10:30 am
Thankyou for this poignant and brave piece
Ronit24 September at 08:55 am
Thank you for standing with us, as we stand with you in these dark and uncertain times. May our collective light overcome this darkness. We must be united to protect our common values. 👏 for speaking up.