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Former state premiers and federal politicians, business leaders and high profile media figures are among the hundreds of prominent Australians who have signed an open letter denouncing racism, specifically anti-Semitism.
The letter, which ran as a double-page advertisement in Tuesday’s newspapers, highlights a 482 per cent rise in anti-Semitic incidents over the last seven weeks and calls for all Australians to be treated with respect, inclusivity, and dignity.
It points to an increase in “offensive language, vandalism and harassment occurring on our streets, university campuses and outside public Australian landmarks”.
It acknowledges the “heightened feelings of threat being felt” by the Jewish-Australian community, and affirms their right to safety.
The letter more broadly says racism is “deplorable and abhorrent” in any form, whether it be towards Jewish, Muslim, Asian, or Indigenous Australians.
“We will not tolerate such conduct in our workplaces and firmly reject it in our communities,” the letter said.
“All Australians are entitled to be treated with respect… We stand against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and any form of racism in our workplaces, hiring practices, and business dealings.
“Together we are united.”
Among the 600 signatories – with more set to join the pledge online – includes former premiers Daniel Andrews, Gladys Berejiklian, Anna Bligh and Mark McGowan.
Prominent business figures including News Corporation chairman Lachlan Murdoch and his wife Sarah, Seven owner Kerry Stokes, Telstra chair John Mullen, Wesfarmers chair Michael Chaney and billionaire Lindsay Fox are also among the signatories.
The open letter comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to meet with family members of Israeli hostages held by Hamas on Tuesday.
Five relatives have travelled from Israel, and will meet with a number of senior politicians to plead for their help in freeing their loved ones.
A number of hostages have been released by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners since a ceasefire began on Friday, but more than 200 remain uncontactable by their loved ones.
Originally published as Ex-premiers, billionaires plead for tolerance and end to anti-Semitism in massive open letter
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