An elected Coalition Government will provide $8.5 million to support the renovation and expansion of the Sydney Jewish Museum, matching the $8.5 million already committed by the NSW state government.
These funds will support the Sydney Jewish Museum in establishing a new Centre of Jewish Life and Tolerance, which will allow the Museum to welcome nearly twice as many visitors by 2032.
This commitment comes at a critical time, as recent global events have led to a sharp rise in anti-Semitism both internationally and here in Australia. In Australia alone, anti-Semitic incidents have surged by more than 700 per cent since October 7, including hateful protests, vandalism, and harassment.
The urgent need for education is clear. This investment will be crucial in helping foster greater understanding and ensuring we stand firmly against division and hate.
This project will celebrate the extensive contributions Jewish Australians have made in areas including art, science, commerce, culture, food, and film.
The Sydney Jewish Museum has been educating Australians for over three decades on Jewish culture and history, as well as informing Australians of the horrors of anti-Semitism across history.
It is institutions like this that make sure the enduring memory of Holocaust survivors is never forgotten and that subsequent generations learn from their stories.
The Museum is a critical cultural and educational institution for the future, and its work in raising awareness of the horrors of the Holocaust aligns with the Coalition’s goal of having every Australian schoolchild visit a Holocaust museum, to promote awareness, and foster tolerance from an early age.
This funding will work to achieve this by allowing the Museum to serve as a beacon of knowledge, encouraging reflection and unity.
The Coalition’s commitment today will ensure that the Sydney Jewish Museum will be able to continue its important public education work for decades to come.
22 October 2024