Published: 17 November 2023
Last updated: 5 March 2024
VIC ALHADEFF sits down with federal politician ALLEGRA SPENDER, who has been outspoken in supporting the Jewish community since the Hamas attacks.
“I know that many in the community are frightened, grieving and distressed,” says the Federal Member for Wentworth. “I’m incredibly concerned about what is happening and at the fact that the Israel-Hamas conflict is creating chasms in our society.
“We have to stop the increase in antisemitism and we mustn’t let conflict overseas generate conflict here. I support everyone’s right to protest peacefully, but not to chant antisemitic messages.”
Spender attended last weekend’s vigil of solidarity with the Jewish community and spoke out forcefully after the pro-Palestinian motorcycle convoy at Coogee. “A motorcycle convoy that travels into the eastern suburbs, where more than half of the Jewish community lives, hundreds of metres from a synagogue, is deliberately provocative and intimidating.
“I am exploring what legal options are available to prevent such protests in the future, and I’m supportive of the NSW Government’s move to tighten laws against hate speech, threats and incitement to violence.”
Spender is aware that the past few weeks have had a profound personal impact on many in the Jewish community: “The horrific attacks in southern Israel and the destruction in Gaza are not distant tragedies to us. Wentworth has one of the largest Jewish communities in Australia, so many of the stories I hear come from that perspective.
Wentworth has one of the largest Jewish communities in Australia, so many of the stories I hear come from that perspective.
“But I know that communities connected to Gaza feel the pain just as deeply. Each day I speak to people fearful for family and friends in Israel and for their own safety here. I’ve been proud to stand with Israel and my community. Israel must protect its people.”
