THE HON PETER DUTTON MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR DICKSON
ADDRESS TO JEWISH COMMUNITY VIGIL MARKING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE OCTOBER 7 ATTACKS, VAUCLUSE, NEW SOUTH WALES
7 October 2024
Friends, thank you very much for the very welcome. Thank you for being here tonight.
I want to say thank you very much to Nova Peris for her Acknowledgement of Country and also for her bravery – for what she’s done for our country, and for Israel.
Can I also tonight acknowledge the Premier of New South Wales.
The Leader of the Opposition, Mark Speakman.
The Minister of Health and Aged Care representing the Prime Minister, Mark Butler.
To my colleagues, Andrew Bragg.
To the amazing Ro Knox.
To my many colleagues who are here today, including Julian Leeser.
To the Zionist Council of New South Wales.
To the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies.
To every brave individual here tonight.
Friends, Israel was at the epicentre of Hamas’s evil on October 7 last year.
But the shockwaves of that terrorist attack resonated around the world.
That day of depravity – the greatest loss of Jewish life on a single day since the Holocaust – awoke and exposed an anti-Semitic rot afflicting Western democracies.
On this, the first anniversary of October 7 – and given all we’ve seen since then – several things are important.
Memory is important.
Even today, there are people seeking to distort, to deny, and defend the barbarism that took place on October 7 – despite all the evidence.
Evil endures when the truth is twisted.
And so, we must prevent perversions of the past.
It’s our duty to commit to our national memory the horrors and the heartbreak of October 7.
But also the Israeli heroism which confronted evil – and continues to fight evil to this day.
What else is important?
Moral clarity is important.
Because, frankly, there hasn’t been enough of it.
Instead, we’ve seen a moral fog of moral ambiguity, of moral equivalence, and of immorality.
Just days after October 7, we saw protesters chanting slogans calling for the extermination of Israel.
And they haven’t stopped since.
As soon as Israel took the fight to Hamas, we began to hear unreasonable calls for immediate restraint.
Calls for Israel to not look back in anger.
Calls for Israel to de-escalate and pause its military response.
Now, such calls have persisted – despite hostages remaining in chains and being executed.
Such calls have endured – despite Hamas remaining operative, and Hezbollah raining down rockets on Israel.
Those making such calls hold Israel to a standard they would never expect or accept of themselves.
Following the shocking events on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, there’s been a vacuum of leadership.
In that vacuum, intolerable incidents have been tolerated.
And each intolerable incident has emboldened the next.
The last 12 months constitute one of the most difficult periods for Jewish Australians in our nation’s history.
So, in the interest of moral clarity, let me be clear:
Israel has every right to defend its territory, and its people, from existential threats.
From Hamas.
From Hezbollah.
From the Houthis.
And from the Iranian regime which sponsors them all.
This is a time to distinguish the lawful from the lawless, civilisation from barbarism, and good from evil.
This is a time to speak truthfully about the threat of anti-Semitism in our great country.
Anti-Semitism is not only a threat to one segment of our community.
It is a threat to our social cohesion.
To our democratic values.
And to our way of life.
The late and great Christopher Hitchens called anti-Semitism “the godfather of racism.”
He described it as “the common enemy of humanity and of civilisation.”
For that reason, he said, it “has to be fought against very tenaciously.”
And we will.
I’m determined that together we will turn the tide of anti-Semitism afflicting our country.
A Coalition Government under my leadership will restore moral clarity and act with moral courage.
We will make it clear that the law must be enforced readily – not reluctantly – against those inciting hatred and violence.
We will hold a judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism on our university campuses because the Jewish community deserves no less.
And we will ensure that young Australians are equipped with a shield of knowledge to deflect Jewish hatred.
As one measure, a Coalition Government will commit $8.5 million to support the expansion of the Sydney Jewish Museum.
Every Australian child will understand this evil.
Every Australian child through their education will understand the evils of the past and the evils of the present.
But what else is important?
Fellowship and friendship are important.
Standing with our ally, Israel – rather than treating her as an adversary.
Supporting Australians of Jewish faith – because you are cherished Australians citizens.
I’ve been proud to do both.
And not only in words.
I travelled to Israel.
I listened to survivors – to families whose loved ones had been murdered or taken hostage.
We listened to the bravery of those young people before, and we should always hold them in our hearts.
I met with President Herzog, with the Prime Minister, and with the Foreign Minister.
In Australia, together, we’ve attended vigils, we’ve addressed synagogue services, and paid respects at Holocaust museums.
And I can tell you what I’ve seen in every case:
I’ve seen the Jewish spirit at play.
A spirit characterised by strength, by solidarity, and by survival.
That spirit has seen the Jewish people overcome every trial and tribulation that they’ve faced in history:
Be it subjugation, persecution, dispossession, exile, and massacre.
That same spirit will see the Jewish people today – in Israel, in Australia, and around the world – prevail over present ordeals.
Friends, my most important message today is to the millions of Australians who – like generations of Australians past – know the difference between right and wrong.
Australians who appreciate the sacrifice of men and women in uniform who fought tyranny and evil in times of war, so that we might live in a time of peace.
Australians who understand that the fight for freedom and peace and stability will never end – as long as evil exists in this world.
Many Australians will be watching the Middle East at the moment and seeing familiar footage of a far-off war with claims and counter-claims.
People will say, ‘This is not our fight’, or ‘Why is it relevant to us’, or ‘Let’s just be friends with everyone’.
The same reluctance and attitude existed in the world in the minds of many decent people in the 1930s.
In the 1930s, Europe was at threat from a murderous dictator in the same way that Israel is today, facing the same evil.
‘River to the Sea’ isn’t just a rhetorical chant of radical university students.
It’s a stated intent to wipe Israel and the Jewish people off the map.
The parallels between the Holocaust and October 7 are eerie.
If we don’t take a strong stance now, we risk repeating the mistakes of the 1930s.
That is why Australians should be inspired by the bravery of generations past to stand up for our values today and into the future.
To argue for right over wrong.
To stand up for democracy over tyranny.
To defeat the evil that we see in terrorist groups.
In this case the evil perpetrated against human beings just because they are Jewish.
And it shouldn’t be forgotten, evil treatment, of course, of their own people by hiding bombs and building tunnels under hospitals, under schools, and under residential buildings.
By slaughtering women and children in acts of barbarity.
For that is what this debate is about.
We are on the side of civilisation over barbarity.
And that is why every Australian, drawing on their instincts of decency and a fair go, must join with Jewish Australians to reject the anti-Semitism, wherever it is witnessed on our streets, in our universities, across society over the last 12 months.
The anti-Semitism on display today and in recent days as people march with flags and black hearts to celebrate the first anniversary of 1,200 people being slaughtered, raped, brutalised, and held captive.
It’s why I describe this as the most shocking period of our country in my lifetime.
To every Australian:
We are at our best when we stand up for our beliefs, even if it’s easier to look the other way, or it’s happening across the other side of the world far from us.
This fight is about keeping our country safe.
It’s not right that Jewish schools have armed guards.
It’s not right that fellow Australians including Holocaust survivors feel unsafe in this country for the first time.
It’s not right that people are ostracised or vilified because of their surname or their physical appearance, or their heritage.
We would not tolerate such racism and discrimination toward any other section of Australian society.
And we’re being told it is acceptable against Australians of Jewish descent.
Together, today, we pay our respects to the memories of the 1,200 innocent people murdered on October 7.
Together, today, we pray for the hostages still held by Hamas.
Together, today, we grieve for the families who have lost those dearest to them.
But together, today, we roar courageously and confidently in the face of evil.
The enemies of Israel and the peddlers of Jewish hate will never win.
* * * * *
A UNITED MESSAGE FROM OUR YOUNG GENERATION, THE MADRICHIM OF THE YOUTH MOVEMENTS.
Danielle Tischmann – AUJS
Noah Conyer- Netzer
Shenhav Cohen- Tzofim
Elisha Shifroni- Hineni
Max Kidman- Habonim Dror
Rafi Franklin- Bnei Akiva
Samuel Gray- Betar
Shenhav: shalom! Today, we want to speak to you about a transformative journey – one that our young Jewish community in Sydney has undertaken over the past year since the events of October 7. In the face of unprecedented challenges, we’ve witnessed the power of solidarity, resilience, and the emergence of young leaders who are stepping up in remarkable ways. Since October 7, we have faced a war that has affected not just those overseas but has rippled through our local community. The emotional toll has been immense. Many of us have felt the weight of uncertainty, fear, and sorrow. Alongside this, we have seen a disturbing rise in anti-Semitism, which the young Jewish community, with your support, can continue to fight.
Danielle: But in times of adversity, we find strength in our community. Our youth movements have played a pivotal role, serving as safe havens and guiding lights. Madrichim have stepped up to support our chanichim, providing not just leadership but emotional support. We have organized discussions, facilitated gatherings, and created spaces where our young people can share their fears and hopes. We have built a foundation of trust and resilience that will enable us to face challenges united. This commitment to each other is what makes our community truly special.
Sam: Our educational institutions, youth movements, and AUJS each play a vital role in shaping our response, and together we form an unbreakable united front. On October 10, we engaged in the major community rallies, demonstrating our resilience and unwavering commitment to stand together in the face of hardship. Just days later, on October 16, we gathered for a touching tekkes, a memorial that gave us the space to grieve, reflect, and process our emotions. We did this as one powerful community, recognizing that the Jewish people’s right to exist is tied to our willingness to defend it. Together, we transform our pain into strength and solidarity. As Menachem Begin once said “We fight, therefore we are”.
Noah: Events like AZYC BogSem, where we engaged with Jewish texts and discussed our identity amidst the chaos, and DJ Alon, which brought hope and community spirit back into our lives, remind us that whilst we confront serious issues, we must never forget to celebrate our culture and traditions as one community. The Zikaron Basalon events have been particularly poignant, honoring our history while reflecting on our present struggles, and ultimately reminding us all that we are not alone. INSERT – AUJS Event
Max: As we look to the future, we must recognize the essential role we play as young leaders. We are not merely participants in this community; we are key stakeholders shaping its direction. Each of our movements brings unique values and ideologies, but it is our unity that enables us to work together for a common purpose. This collective effort is our strength. In such circumstances, we have never had to demand of each other more significantly. We have a responsibility to fulfill this duty, and we, the youth movements, are calling upon those who wish to join us.
Rafi: Standing here tonight in our different chultzot, we reflect on the various challenges and experiences that we have all faced. But we remember that it is this diversity that enriches us, teaching us empathy, understanding and collaboration. By supporting one another, we cultivate a robust network of leaders equipped to navigate not only the challenges we face today but also those that lie ahead. The future of our community is bright because of the passion and dedication of our young leaders. We are the ones who will ensure that our community not only survives but thrives. We will continue to advocate for our rights, stand against anti-Semitism, and celebrate our Jewish identity.
Elisha: In this spirit, let us remember that we are stronger together. The challenges we face are daunting and overwhelming, but we are equipped to tackle them as a unified community. Through our collective efforts, we are not just responding to a crisis; we are fostering a generation of new leaders committed to ensuring a vibrant and inclusive Jewish future in Sydney and beyond. We are calling upon you for your support and thank you for being a part of these efforts. Together, we will rise, we will lead, and we will inspire.