Catholic Religious Australia is calling on its members to “reach out to the Australian Jewish community in friendship and solidarity” following a series of anti-Semitic attacks across the country.
In a statement, CRA said it is “deeply distressed about the increasing rise and extremity of anti-Semitic attacks”.
“The discovery of a caravan of explosives in NSW, seemingly intended to target Jewish people, property and places of worship, is especially chilling and sinister, given the potential for large scale loss of life,” the statement said.
“Any anti-Semitic attack is despicable; attacks on schools and childcare centres are appalling.”
CRA president Br Gerard Brady said the peak body for religious in Australia “utterly condemn[s] these hateful attacks on the Jewish community”.
“We urge our members to reach out to the Australian Jewish community in friendship and solidarity,” Br Brady said.
“Now more than ever, building up interfaith relations is essential to learn more deeply about the hopes and fears of our Jewish sisters and brothers at this time, along with other people of faith in our local neighbourhoods, together finding ways to work together towards a common goal of a peaceful and harmonious Australia.”
National executive director Anne Walker said CRA commended “all efforts to bring to an end this spate of anti-Semitic attacks, which creates fear and fragments our precious multi-faith and multicultural society”.
“The rule of law must prevail, and the perpetrators be brought to justice,” Ms Walker said. “We continue to pray for peace, safety and the well-being of the Jewish community and all Australians.”
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