Former premier Daniel Andrews has urged Jewish families and organisations who provide financial support to the arts, cultural and other philanthropic causes to defund recipients who refuse to denounce antisemitism.

In rare public comments since retiring as Victoria’s longest-serving Labor premier, Andrews weighed directly into the dilemma confronting Jewish philanthropists by urging them to dump their support for creative endeavours which had remained silent about, or promulgated, hatred towards Jewish people since the October 7, 2023, attacks.

“If people won’t speak out against antisemitism, defund them. If people are happy to take your money while being antisemites, defund them,” Andrews told a gathering of Jewish community leaders in Melbourne on Sunday night.

“If you want to support Hamas, then get them to pay your bills, get them to fund your programs and build your buildings. I am serious. We are beyond tropes. Silence and much worse are only possible if there are no consequences.”

Andrews said no community was more generous than the Jewish community and “no state has a better developed culture, endowment and philanthropic giving than Victoria”.

“I would ask each of you respectfully, continue to review your giving. Check and check again that those who so happily benefit from your generosity are not in real terms pretend friends or worse, actually working against the Jewish community and decency itself,” he said.

Andrews made his comments after he was awarded the Jerusalem Prize, bestowed by the World Zionist Organisation, the Zionist Federation of Australia and Zionism Victoria for his “outstanding contribution” towards strengthening the Jewish community in Victoria and relationships with Israel.

Andrews’ comments come after a series of controversies involving artists and others in the creative industries over expressions of support for Palestinians or criticism of Israel’s conduct in the war.

The former premier, a staunch supporter of Israel since he was first elected to state parliament in 2002, told the event that his views were informed by studying the history and politics of the Middle East at Monash University.

“My support for Israel has always been grounded in simple and fundamental logic,” Andrews said. “Israel is the only democracy in a despotic region. The only place with gender equality at law, the only place where people are free and safe to love who they love, criticise their government if they wish and organise in their workplaces.

“Over these last 12 months, I, like all of you, have been angered and saddened by those who know nothing of the history of this region yet opine about its future, those who know little of Israel or the Jewish people, yet feel obliged and able to criticise, and perhaps worst of all, those whose rank antisemitism has been exposed by the events of antisemitism and the conflict.

“The ferocity and brazenness of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment is like nothing that I have seen in my lifetime. It is a stain on the nation, and it shames us all.”

Andrews related the story of recently walking through the city and seeing a pro-Palestine protester wearing a rainbow T-shirt.

“She was obviously a supporter of the LGBTQI+ community, as I am. Try wearing that T-shirt in Gaza and see how that works out for you,” he said.

Andrews said he would “publicly and loudly” support any Jewish family or organisation which rescinded philanthropic funding to an organisation because of its views towards Israel or Jewish people.

The Jerusalem Prize

Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been awarded the prestigious Jerusalem Prize by the Zionist Federation of Australia, Zionism Victoria and the World Zionist Organisation.

The award presentation took place at a cocktail reception in the Central Synagogue in Melbourne’s South Caulfield. The event brought together Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon, Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Josh Burns MP and former State ALP MP and Jerusalem Prize awardee Marcia Thomson, Member for Higgins Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Member for Caulfield David Southwick, Rabbonim and many Jewish community leaders. Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Head of the Department for Organization and Connection with Israelis Abroad at WZO travelled from Israel for the awarding of the Jerusalem Prize.

Daniel Andrews was accompanied by his wife Catherine and their children.

The cocktail reception was the closing event of the ZFA’s biennial conference which included Jewish community leaders from across Australia. Israel’s leading podcaster, Elad Simchayoff, was keynote speaker at the conference, speaking about “Forging the future – redefining Jewish identity and Zionism in a post October 7 world”.

Other speakers at the conference included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Simon Birmingham, and Ambassador Maimon.

ZFA President Jeremy Leibler opened the evening event and said that “Demonization of Israel has put this award tonight into a very different context compared to the last one, awarded to Prime Minister Scott Morrison five years ago.”

Leibler said, “Bipartisan support for Israel and against antisemitism is at risk in the current environment.”

Ambassador Maimon complimented the selection of Premier Andrews, who is also the inaugural patron of Labor Friends of Israel, for the award, noting “he had been unwavering in his support for Israel. A loyal friend to the Jewish community and advocate for Israel. His legacy of actions that speak volumes.”

He mentioned Andrews’ opening of the Victorian trade office in Israel, adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and many other steps in support of Israel and the Jewish community, such as Holocaust education in schools, strengthening security measures for the Jewish community, and banning of Nazi symbols in Victoria.

Daniel Andrews gave a gracious and warm acceptance speech. He mentioned his extensive undergraduate studies in Middle East politics and history. He outlined many strengths and differentiators of Israel in the Middle East, including its strong democracy, legislated gender equality, its position as the start-up nation, LGBTI freedom including the only pride marches in the region, and its vibrant trade union movement.

He noted that “Peace requires a partner” and reminded those seeking a ceasefire that “There had been a ceasefire on October 6, 2023.”

Andrews said, “The current antisemitism and anti-Israel environment is worse than I have ever seen. Worse is those who have not spoken up.”

“Most Victorians and Australians have bigger hearts and bigger brains”.

“You don’t go missing when evil takes hold.”

“There is hope. Good people know and understand. The community has many, many friends. I am proud to be one of them.”

A Strong Advocate

Andrews’ comments are part of a broader trend of growing concern about antisemitism in Australia and around the world. The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has heightened these concerns, with many Jewish organisations reporting an increase in antisemitic incidents.

Andrews’ call for Jewish donors to take a stand against antisemitism is a bold one. It remains to be seen whether his words will have a significant impact. However, his comments are a clear indication that the issue of antisemitism is one that cannot be ignored.

Andrews has been a vocal supporter of Israel and the Jewish community throughout his political career. His stance on this issue has been consistent, even when it has been unpopular. His recent comments are a continuation of that commitment.

Andrews’ words are a timely reminder that we must all be vigilant against antisemitism. This is not just a Jewish issue, but a societal one. We all have a responsibility to speak out against hate speech and bigotry whenever we see it.

By taking a stand against antisemitism, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.

The following organisations have been highlighted as key figures in the events discussed:

• World Zionist Organization (WZO): This organization, founded in 1897, promotes the Jewish people’s right to self-determination and supports Israel’s development.

• Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA): The ZFA is a national organization that represents Australian Zionism and advocates for strong ties between Australia and Israel.

• Zionism Victoria: The Victorian branch of the Zionist Federation of Australia.

• Labor Friends of Israel: A newly formed group that seeks to strengthen ties between the Labor Party and Israel.

• Hamas: A Palestinian Islamist group that has been designated a terrorist organization by many countries, including Australia.