Creeping antisemitism on left prompts Young Labor resolution

NSW Young Labor has passed a resolution recognising bigotry in the organisation and promising to act to make the organisation more inclusive for Jewish members.

The preamble to the resolution, drafted by Zac Morris and Tanna Klevansky, observed that Jewish members are deserting Labor spaces because of antisemitism.

“Since our last conference in December 2023, Jewish participation in NSW Young Labor has quietly but unmistakably declined. Many young Jewish members remain proud Labor people, campaigners, organisers and unionists, but are increasingly absent from Young Labor spaces. That is not because Jewish people have turned away from Labor’s values, but because at times Young Labor has not lived up to them,” it said.

The experience of Young Labor reflects the findings of Crossroads25, which observed more hostility to Jews and Israel among younger demographics and on the left of politics.

The motion resolved that Young Labor will introduce a cross-factional Jewish working group to advise on matters relating to antisemitism, inclusion and representation; antisemitism awareness training for executive and working group members; and a code of conduct which specifically addresses hate speech and discrimination.

It also calls for relationship-building and cultural sensitivity, through an annual Shabbat dinner or equivalent cultural exchange event, and scheduling that is sensitive to Jewish holidays.