Recent coverage of the menorah lighting in Victoria downplays and oversimplifies the serious concerns of the Jewish community.

Our federal government has demonstrated limited action in addressing hateful rhetoric and policies that perpetuate antisemitism. Instead, it has, in some cases, appeared to tacitly endorse or overlook these issues by granting state recognition to Palestine, which is, in essence, rewarding Hamas.

Charlotte Kates, the head of Samidoun, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the Canadian government, has not been prosecuted.

No charges have been laid against a local imam who publicly preaches hatred against Jewish communities.

Weekly demonstrations featuring hate-mob rallies and inflammatory rhetoric have taken place outside the legislature.

Victoria Coun. Susan Kim, who signed a controversial open letter following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, continues to be backed by most of her colleagues, including Dave Thompson.

Thompson, when opposing a bylaw aimed at limiting hate symbols and graffiti, dismissed concerns raised by the Jewish community, instead deferring to fringe groups such as the anti-Israel Independent Jewish Voices.

These circumstances mirror the environment in Australia that led to the Bondi massacre. The recent menorah lighting event was a family gathering where children received chocolates, and attendees cheered as the first candle was lit, despite the necessity of the presence of Victoria Police SWAT officers armed with assault weapons patrolling the perimeter.

The atmosphere faced by Victoria’s Jewish community is analogous to that which existed in Australia before the Bondi tragedy.

The community has endured enough. The broader society must recognize these warning signs and take active steps to condemn and counter hatred before it escalates further.

Silence and inaction are no longer acceptable; the time to stand up is now.

Peter J. Nadler

Victoria

The recent attack on Jews celebrating the first night of Hanukkah in Australia was shocking, but sadly, not........

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