Jewish Voices for Peace and Justice NSW released a “statement in support of the people of the Arab nations” on March 11.
The statement said: “We at Jewish Voices for Peace and Justice are deeply inspired by the people of the Arab nations, in their struggle for democracy and freedom as they rise to decide their own future, defying regimes that have for too long subjugated them.
“We deeply respect their courage in peacefully standing up to governments that have not hesitated to respond to dissent with extreme violence. We stand in solidarity with their patience and resolve, and we grieve the killing and wounding of so many of these courageous demonstrators.
“Our tradition teaches us to support all people in their pursuit of freedom and justice. Given the history of persecution and genocide Jews have survived, we understand the uneasiness that some Jews and Israelis feel at the prospect of unknown outcomes of revolutions among Israel’s neighbours.
“We believe the uprisings are cause for hope, that our brothers and sisters may be able to form and live in stable, open societies. And we look forward to a time when peace comes to the Middle East, and all its people are free.”