Sydney Jewish Museum welcomes Special Envoy’s Antisemitism report

The Sydney Jewish Museum has welcomed Special Envoy Jillian Segal’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism.

Museum president Greg Shand AM praised the report as a thoroughly considered and constructive step forward. He also thanked the Prime Minister and the Federal Government for its strong words in response to the alarming rise in antisemitism in Australia, and urged it to implement the recommendations.

In particular, he commended the plan’s focus on awareness, education, and cohesion-building.

“As Ms Segal herself states in the report, antisemitism erodes all that is good and healthy in a society. It poses a threat not just to the Jewish community but to our entire nation. Education is essential to preventing and tackling all racism and building tolerance, respect and critical thinking. These are the foundation principles of the Sydney Jewish Museum – which was built by Holocaust survivors who wanted to share the lessons of history for the benefit of all humanity.” 

Museum CEO Kevin Sumption PSM especially welcomed the report’s call for more exhibitions about Jewish history, culture and antisemitism and noted the Museum’s unique position in this regard.

“As we expand our museum to illuminate contemporary Jewish life and culture, we look forward to continuing to partner government, schools, and the community at large to work towards a nation united against hatred and committed to inclusivity, respect for diversity and appreciation of our common values.”