Liberal MP Julian Leeser latest target of anti-Semitic graffiti

Jewish MP Julian Leeser says Australia is witnessing "anti-Semitic incidents on an unprecedented scale".

An image of the graffiti.

An image of the graffiti. Source: Facebook - Julian Leeser

Liberal MP Julian Leeser has become the latest federal election candidate to be targeted with anti-Semitic abuse.

Mr Lesser, who holds the Sydney seat of Berowra and is a practising Jew, said Monday that his campaign material had been defaced on several occasions with swastikas, Hitler moustaches and most recently, dollar signs for eyes.

"I have been involved in political campaigns in Berowra for 15 years but I have never seen anything like this before," he said on Facebook.

Mr Lesser labeled those responsible as "merchants of hate" and has since reported the matter to federal police.

"The $$ refer to old anti-Semitic lies of an international Jewish banking conspiracy; that Jews have control of the world's money supply. These sentiments were used by Nazis and others who have sought to spread hatred of Jews for centuries," he said.

"I find it hard to believe that in 2019 we are witnessing anti-Semitic incidents on an unprecedented scale. Long discredited anti-Semitic ideas are now being given credence by the far Right and the far Left. And with social media unchallenged anti-Semitic ideas spread quickly."
d9a81e95-db32-4e55-922d-49f3809a691b
Member for Berowra Julian Leeser.
AAP

It comes after posters of Treasurer Josh Frydenberg were similarly vandalised with Nazi-inspired graffiti.

Images of Mr Frydenberg in his Melbourne electorate of Kooyong have been defaced with Hitler moustaches, swastikas and devil horns.

On Saturday, Mr Frydenberg tweeted his abhorrence to the "cowardly and criminal act" and said the incidents were "about a broader and disturbing trend in society of anti-Semitism and intolerance".
cad759d6-d50a-4e2d-8070-cc21eccca1ea
Two of the vandalised posters.
Supplied


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Presented by Yang J. Joo

Source: SBS News, AAP




Share this with family and friends


Follow SBS Korean

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Korean-speaking Australians.
Ease into the English language and Australian culture. We make learning English convenient, fun and practical.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Korean News

Korean News

Watch it onDemand