Published: 9 November 2017
Last updated: 4 March 2024
“The Australian government’s current preference for political expediency over compassion and decency is shameful. We condemn it in the most unequivocal terms.”
The letter was initiated by social justice organisation Stand Up. “We found it very important for the Jewish community to have a voice on this,” says Stand Up’s Campaign Manager, Dean Levitan. “It is important to us that the Jewish community is not silence on this subject.
“The first step is to mobilise the Jewish community and the leaders. The next step is to take our collective voice to media and politicians, so they know where some parts of the Jewish community stands on this issue.”
OPEN LETTER FROM CONCERNED JEWISH COMMUNITY MEMBERS
The stories emerging from Manus Island are deeply disturbing. Hundreds of men, a majority of whom are proven to be refugees, are trapped in prison-like facilities, deprived of medical care, food and water.
We cannot pretend this is not happening. Australia’s current approach lacks the compassion, decency and humanity that we believe are integral to Australia’s character. Jewish people are acutely aware of the consequences of indifference and inaction.
We understand and appreciate that an Australia built on acceptance and inclusivity strengthens Australia’s social fabric. Indeed, it is these values that have enabled the Jewish community to become a thriving and contributing part of the wider Australian society.
The Australian government’s current preference for political expediency over compassion and decency is shameful. We condemn it in the most unequivocal terms.
We are calling on our political leaders to act with moral conviction and courage to find a sustainable and humane solution for the men on Manus Island.
SIGNATORIES
New Israel Fund
Kesher
Stand Up
Australian Jewish Democratic Society
The Jewish Independent
Young Friends of the Jewish Holocaust Centre
Jewish Labour Bund
SKIF
Shalom Institute
Ameinu
Photo: Asylum-seekers protest on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, in this picture taken from social media November 3 (The Wire/Reuters)
