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'Wrong to equate Israeli govt's actions with entire Jewish community'
With the Israeli government continuing its aggression against Palestinians in Gaza, one human rights advocate based in Australia urged the people not to equate the Zionist government’s actions with the entire Jewish community.
Australian Friends of Palestine Association (Afopa) chairperson Christa Christaki pointed out that many Jewish people across the globe have come out in the millions to oppose the Israeli government’s atrocities against the Palestinians.
Summary
Australian Friends of Palestine Association (Afopa) chairperson Christa Christaki says Israel’s atrocities in Gaza should not be equated with the entire Jewish community.
The Australian human rights advocate says many Jews have spoken out against the Israeli government’s action, including two groups from Australia.
With the Israeli government continuing its aggression against Palestinians in Gaza, one human rights advocate based in Australia urged the people not to equate the Zionist government’s actions with the entire Jewish community.
Australian Friends of Palestine Association (Afopa) chairperson Christa Christaki pointed out that many Jewish people across the globe have come out in the millions to oppose the Israeli government’s atrocities against the Palestinians.
“Rabbis and (their) religious community leaders... they have been vocal that they are anti-apartheid and against what Israel is doing.
“In Australia, there are many Jewish people who come to our rallies, especially in the eastern states where there is a large Jewish community - in Melbourne and Sydney.
“Two organisations from Australia in particular - Jews Against the Occupation and the Jewish Council of Australia - are anti-Zionist,” she told Malaysiakini in addressing concerns about how the Israeli government’s actions are being linked to the Jews as a whole.
Christaki said this after leading a peaceful rally in support of Palestine yesterday in Adelaide, Australia.
Attended by about 80 participants, the group started their march at about 2.30pm (Malaysian time), marching from King William Road, North Terrace, to the front compound of Mantra Hindmarsh Square.
Afopa is a not-for-profit Adelaide-based organisation established in 2004, which promotes justice for Palestinians based on international law and United Nations resolutions.
More than 53k killed
According to Al-Jazeera, Israeli forces had killed more than 53,000 people in Gaza since the Hamas attack on Oct 7, 2023.
The Israeli military campaign has devastated the enclave, pushing nearly all residents from their homes, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
On that note, Christaki, who had spent over two decades in public service, also raised concerns about how the criticisms levelled against the Israeli government are equated to anti-Semitism.
“It’s not being anti-Semitic, and it’s not being Jewish. Zionism is a political ideology.
“When a Jewish person speaks out against Israel, are they anti-Semitic too?” she asked.
Show humanity
Touching on the Australian government, Christaki said it was time for them and other nations to show humanity and condemn Israel for its actions.
She said that sanctions should be imposed on the nation, encompassing diplomatic, political, and economic pressure.
“Expel the Israeli ambassador and recall our Australian ambassador.
“Impose sanctions, put boycotts on their products and services, and stop trade.
“They cannot keep doing what they are doing and get away with it,” she added.
Not caring enough
A rally participant who only wished to be known as Jess said she had come across many Palestinians who were affected by the happenings in Gaza.
“I know Palestinians who have been devastated by what’s happening, and I’ve met people from other countries as well… from Syria, Lebanon, from Malaysia, even,” said the mental health social worker.
On her support for the Palestinians, Jess said she is a firm believer in human rights and lamented the Australian government’s inability to address the situation in Gaza.
“I think Palestine is one of the clearest examples where our political powers and people in power are devastating human rights for Palestinians.
“And our political leaders couldn’t do anything about it, or they just don’t care enough.
“They need to stick to human rights and get Israel out of Palestine and save the Palestinians,” Jess added.
The rally ended peacefully at about 2.50pm (Malaysian time).
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