We must never tolerate antisemitism in the West because it attacks not only Israeli Jews, but western democracy in its core values, from the right to freedom of speech to libertarianism.
In a democratic state, liberty is illicitly cherished, immaculately managed and held dearly in minds and hearts. Many have reaped the rewards of life in these countries, imitating those imminent men and women who made vital choices to invest in a better future for their children. Following the values that have been inherited of Christianity and Judaism and introducing a love for a way of life in the freedom of a democratic country.
To inherit a malleable belief system, mimicked in moments of difficulty is not an easy task within a multicultural, diverse society. Imagine a movement of people with opposing minds living side by side in a community governed by a democratic system, imitating and carrying old mannerisms and prejudice that is hateful to ancient civilizations. It is moments of disharmonious violence that will arise to minimise the importance of unity and limit the progress in the pursuit of peace, not without an acceptance of Israel’s right to defend itself and most of all, to exist.
More amicable conversation is needed to begin to accept differences and listen to the voices from the past. In storytelling we can learn to respect and accept the truth about the longtime persecution of the Jewish people and maybe light the way forward for all Australians to live in a unified country without discrimination and long held biases. In time, the ‘Never Again’ line will ring true, just as Bob Hawke said ‘If the bell tolls for Israel, it won’t just toll for Israel, it will toll for all mankind’.
