Remembering Kristallnacht and William Cooper’s stand against the Nazis
Tomorrow marks the anniversary of Kristallnacht (the ‘Night of Broken Glass’). On 9-10 November 1938, the Nazis, aided by ordinary German civilians, unleashed a violent pogrom against the Jewish people. Jewish businesses, synagogues, houses and schools were destroyed and burned. Many Jews were beaten, killed, arrested and taken to concentration camps.
Kristallnacht marked a dark turning point in Germany, as discrimination turned to violence with impunity. It signalled to the Nazis that they could act violently against the Jews with little consequence or public opposition, ultimately paving the way for the Holocaust. Just like the antisemitic violence we witness today, most in the international community failed to condemn or take action against the antisemitic violence that occurred on Kristallnacht.
Yet, in Australia, one man courageously bucked the trend. Yorta Yorta man William Cooper refused to stay silent, having experienced mistreatment and discrimination himself as an Indigenous Australian. Cooper wrote a letter of protest to Nazi Germany and organised a march in Melbourne to deliver it. On 6 December 1938, Cooper headed a delegation of Aboriginal colleagues and walked 10 km to the German Consul-General to hand in his letter.
Yad Vashem later recognised Cooper’s courage in standing up for the persecuted and refusing to remain silent. Cooper’s actions provide a template for us in standing against the evils of antisemitism in our own day.
Learn more about William Cooper and what his courageous stand can teach us today.
Australians Against Antisemitism Day
Echoing Cooper’s courage, Australians across the country recently gathered for Australians Against Antisemitism Day on 26 October, showing solidarity with the Jewish community and standing against antisemitism. The ICEJ team was there on the ground in various locations, declaring that antisemitism has no place in our nation.
Lawfare Continues On The International Stage
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! – Isaiah 5:20.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to be unfairly targeted on the international stage. On 22 October, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an Advisory Opinion declaring Israel’s recent suspension of cooperation with UNRWA illegal and that it must allow aid organisations unimpeded access to Gaza.
The process was flawed from the outset. The Court relied heavily on UN supplied evidence and reports – including from UNRWA itself – producing an unreliable opinion. It also focused solely on Israel while ignoring Hamas’ responsibility for perpetuating the conflict and obstructing humanitarian aid.
UNRWA is no neutral actor, and as US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated, it has effectively become “a subsidiary” of Hamas. Many of UNRWA’s employees through the years have been found to be affiliated with Hamas, and its schools have propagated antisemitic content for years – radicalising generations of Palestinian children. Shockingly, UNRWA staff participated in the October 7 terrorist attacks and UNRWA facilities were used by Hamas throughout the war. Yet, remarkably, the Court downplayed these facts and concluded that UNRWA’s neutrality has not been compromised.
The reality is that suspending UNRWA is a critical step towards peace, and for the good of both Israelis and Palestinians alike. In recognition of this, Australia should follow the footsteps of the US and cease funding to UNRWA.
Once again, the ICJ has delivered a biased, politically motivated opinion, undermining both international law and truth. Sadly, the campaign of lawfare against Israel is likely to continue apace long after the current conflict ends.
To learn more, read the press release by our colleagues at the Hague Initiative for International Cooperation (thinc.)
Teachings & Webinars
Watch the latest video for an informative current affairs webinar with ICEJ Senior VP & Spokesman David Parsons on the topic:
Is Trump’s Gaza Plan Good for Israel?
Rebuilding The Kibbutz Be'eri Children's Centre
For the 1200-plus residents of Be’eri, it was devastating. Over 120 houses were destroyed, 132 members were killed or kidnapped, including 51 elderly residents, some of whom are still not released. Most homes were destroyed by fire, and the others were pillaged and robbed. Thirteen public buildings were destroyed and desecrated. One was a key building that was part of the Children’s Education Centre.
On October 7, terrorists took over the Children’s Centre – it was a strategic act. They knew it included the heaviest fortified missile protected buildings in the centre of the community. One of the most heroic battles took place between the medical centre and the kindergarten, lasting for 7 hours.
Your TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation will help to rebuild lives and communities with safe, inhabitable areas for generations to come.
Partner with ICEJ and donate to this incredible outreach project today.
SOLU ISRAEL Australian Tour with Celebrate Messiah
A new song is rising from Jerusalem—a call to the nations, a sound of spiritual awakening, that God is restoring His people! For almost two years, news from Israel has been dominated by reports of war and devastation. Yet, God has been on the move. In recent years, thousands of young Israelis have come to faith in Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah.
Inspired by what the Lord is doing in Israel, we are thrilled and excited to bring this spiritual renewal in the Holy Land to Australia by welcoming SOLU.
Through bringing SOLU to Australia, we want to change the narrative of what people have been hearing about Israel. We want to focus our attention on God and showcase what He is doing among Jews and Arabs in the land of Israel through the Messiah, Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah).
Find your closest location and book your FREE ticket today!
Praying For Israel
With the constant threat of attack, the rising witness of Antisemitism globally and the devastation left behind in the lives of so many across Israel – now is the time to gather in prayer and uplift the nation of Israel.
If you would like to be part of ICEJ’s global 24/7 prayer,
click below to join the Australian prayer watch each
Each Monday 10am-11am or 4pm-5pm (AEDT).
Blessings,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
