November 12, 2023
The Coalition frontbencher for home affairs and cyber security, James Paterson, has called for "unequivocal condemnation" over the violent clash near the Caulfield Synagogue in Melbourne on Friday evening.
Senator Paterson, who is from Victoria, issued a statement this afternoon expressing his concerns over growing anti-Semitism in Australia.
"The Jewish community in Australia has woken up this morning feeling even more fearful for their safety and their security in Australia than they already did," Senator Paterson said.
"What it requires is unequivocal condemnation from all political leaders."
Senator Paterson said he also would like to see police step up more. "This protest should not have taken place when it did and where it did. And it should not happen again," he said.
He also called for an immediate investigation into the alleged arson attack on the Burgertory shop in the Caulfield area on Friday morning, which was seen as a possible motive for the Caulfield clash, according to the Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun. The burger chain was founded by Hash Tayeh, 32, a prominent supporter of Palestine.
"Arson of any small business is totally and utterly unacceptable. It should be thoroughly investigated." Senator Paterson said.
The president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Daniel Aghion, said the Friday evening clash was " utterly contemptible".
His council's objective was "to foster a society in which members of the Victorian Jewish community are able to live as Jews in peace and security. That objective was unable to be fulfilled last night and that is absolutely unacceptable," Mr Aghion said.
He said he met Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and senior police on Saturday.
"I told them in no uncertain terms that things need to change. I expect them to redouble their efforts to ensure we never see anything like that in Melbourne’s Jewish community ever again.”
