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The federal government is giving another $32.5 million to the Jewish community to bolster security in the wake of last week’s arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said yesterday (Sunday) the government will give the money to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) for security at Jewish sites including synagogues and schools.
The new funding will be used to fund risk and threat assessments, critical incident planning, minor security infrastructure works, security monitoring, security guidance and training, crisis management support and security guard services.
Albanese says where the funding will be spent will be decided by the Jewish community.
“Anti-semitism is disgraceful. I unequivocally condemn it in all its forms,” he says.
“Every Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and to feel welcome, safe and supported in Australia.”
Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus says there is no place for anti-semitism in Australia.
“We all have a responsibility to fight against it,” he said.
“This announcement builds on previous support for the Jewish community, including funding for increased security, criminalising doxxing and banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols.”
The funding is in addition to a $25m grant to the ECAJ in October 2023 as well as for Jewish community sites under the federal $50m Securing Faith-Based Places grant program.
IMAM CONDEMNS ATTACK
The Imam of Adelaide’s Mahmood Mosque, Imam Kamran Tahir, has condemned the attack on the synagogue.
“We are heartbroken to hear of the attack on a place of faith,” Imam Tahir said.
“There is absolutely no justification for such acts.
“People should never be targeted based on their religion, and no house of worship should be violated.”
NSW REACTS
THE NSW Government is moving to strengthen laws on protests around places of worship after last week’s arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne.
NSW Premier Chris Minns says he has asked the Attorney General and Cabinet Office to study ways of better protecting places of worship.
“I am horrified by the attack at the Addas Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and the recent sight of protests out the front of a religious institution,” he says.
“Being heckled on the way in to observe your faith is not consistent with the principles of a multi-cultural, multi-faith community where all are protected by law from someone stopping them from prayer.
“Holding the line isn’t enough. We have to go further and ensure that people’s rights to religious freedom of expression and worship is protected.”
