Since the horrific attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, there has been a disturbing rise in antisemitism, reaching a tragic peak with the massacre at Bondi on December 14 last year.
Rev. Mark Leach, former Anglican Minister and son of a German Jew who escaped the Nazi Holocaust, spoke to Mark Henderson ‘Hendo’ on Monday Morning Matters about his experiences as a Jewish man in Sydney.
Founder of ‘Never Again is Now’ — Leach takes pride in his dedication towards combatting antisemitism in Australia, working in solidarity with Jewish Australians.
His group’s name is a deliberate play on words. The phrase “Never Again” echoes the atrocities committed during the Nazi Holocaust, while “is now” highlights the ongoing reality of antisemitic views and hatred that many Jewish people continue to experience today.
Leach’s group has hosted many events in Sydney, including one at The Domain, which ‘Hendo’ attended.
On the 9th of October, Australia divided after the Australian Government lit the Opera House sails in the colours of the Israeli flag after Hamas’ 7th October attack.
Burning flares coloured the Sydney sky as the Israeli flag was burnt—causing further divide in our society.
Edited footage of protesters was released to social media where Pro-Palestinian protesters were seen chanting harmful commentary “gas the jews” which was later shared by the Australian Jewish Association which lead to widespread condemnation and changes to hate crime laws in Australia.
The NSW Police after a thorough investigation found no evidence that this phrase was chanted at the rally.
Leach commented on the antisemitism present in Australia stating, “The vast majority of Australians are fundamentally decent people, they want to live together, to get along and they see the attacks on the Jewish people as un-Australian and not who we are.”
“There is a small minority who are full of hatred and are very well funded, very well organised… and who are intent on attacking Jewish people and undermining our Australian sort of harmony and way of life.”
“The propaganda war against Israel and against the Jewish people is extraordinary…when all you see is pictures of war it’s genuinely terrible. War is awful. War is evil.”
Have a listen to Mark Henderson’s full interview with Mark Leach below: