The Human Rights Law Centre condemns Adass Israel Synagogue attack and rising antisemitism

The Human Rights Law Centre condemns the violent, antisemitic attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on 6 December 2024.

Antisemitism, alongside Islamophobia and other forms of racism, is rising and has no place in our community. We acknowledge that this attack is one that has evoked terror within the broader Jewish community. Our thoughts are with Jewish communities and everyone affected.

We oppose politicians using this incident to minimise increasing Islamophobia, which has been further evidenced by the offensive Islamophobic graffiti appearing in western Sydney over the weekend. We condemn this act of hate and all forms of racism.

Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and laws against racial and religious vilification, as well as our obligations under international human rights law are clear: everyone has the right to worship in safety, free from intimidation, harassment or violence.

We urge governments across Australia to ensure that responses to such incidents are guided by international human rights standards, which requires providing safeguards to protect people and groups practicing their religion from targeted violence and persecution. These safeguards must be provided without discrimination for all instances of racial and religious hate crimes.

Hate crimes and violence at places of worship are an attack on our collective values of justice, equity, and inclusion.

Governments across Australia must listen and engage deeply with all communities impacted, and find solutions grounded in human rights to bring communities together, address racism and ensure safety for all.