Statement from Courage to Care Victoria CEO, Mike Zervos OAM.
Yesterday I gave evidence to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, in support of a submission lodged by Courage to Care Australia Ltd calling for sustained federal investment in anti-discrimination education.
Watch the recording of the evidence here.
My evidence begins at 1 hour and 30 minutes into the hearing.
Record levels of antisemitism have persisted in Australia despite significant government investment in security and incident response. The architecture of a national response is being built, but what it needs now is the foundation, and that foundation is education.
I am not Jewish. I am a Greek Orthodox Christian, and I am CEO of an organisation with deep roots in the Jewish community. My own grandfather had to flee Kalgoorlie in 1915 because of who he was. Prejudice is not an abstract concept to me. It affects real people and real families, and it can leave scars that last for generations. That is why I am so passionate about creating change through Upstander programs in schools, reaching young people before attitudes harden.
In my evidence, I asserted that antisemitism is not a Jewish problem. The fear experienced by Jewish families, and the growing normalisation of antisemitism, are symptoms of a broader challenge to Australia’s social cohesion and values. Anti-discrimination education is not a niche response to one community’s concerns. It is a preventative social cohesion strategy that benefits all Australians, one Courage to Care has spent over 30 years refining, reaching more than 500,000 students across the country.
Read an excerpt of Courage to Care’s submission to the Royal Commission by clicking here.
At this pivotal moment in our history, I implore all Australians to consider how we can be Upstanders in our own lives. To consider the small moments; in the workplace, with friends, or in public interactions – how can we choose to act, safely and effectively, when witnessing discrimination or hatred, rather than remaining a bystander?
This behavioural shift sits at the heart of Courage to Care’s work, building the values, language and practical skills young people need to recognise and respond to discrimination before prejudiced attitudes become entrenched.
Finally, to our wonderfully dedicated volunteers who share our Upstander message with students each and every week – thank you. You continue to inspire me with your Upstander action, and never forget you are making a real difference.