Rapper Kanye West has doubled down on antisemitic comments in an interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
The Daily Aus has deemed the antisemitic comments unsuitable for publication.
It comes as rates of antisemitism have increased over the past few years worldwide, as several high-profile individuals have publicly conveyed antisemitic views.
Holocaust denial and antisemitism
According to the Anti-Defamation League – an organisation dedicated to tracking and combatting antisemitism in the U.S. – there was a 34% rise in antisemitic incidents in 2021 compared to 2020. This made 2021 the highest year since records began in 1979 for documented reports of harassment, vandalism and violence directed against Jews.
A 2020 survey found one in ten Americans between 18-39 believe Jewish people caused the Holocaust.
Antisemitism in Australia
According to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, there were 447 antisemitic incidents logged between 1 October 2020 and 30 September 2021 – an increase of 35% from the previous year.
Researchers from Deakin University found 25% of Australians don’t know about the Holocaust. Holocaust education has been a mandatory part of the national curriculum since 2010.
“The perpetrators and collaborators of the Holocaust used words and symbols as the foundation for discrimination and violence. We know from history where this can lead. Words and symbols in our contemporary world have just as much influence, and we cannot forget how media at our fingertips adds ammunition to rhetoric.”
Kevin Sumption, CEO of the Sydney Jewish Museum, in a statement to TDA
“Ye’s recent comments reigniting age-old antisemitic conspiracy theories have today culminated in outright Holocaust denial and praise for Hitler. It is devastating and scary to Jewish people all over the world. Ye is dangerous. His reach is dangerous. His influence is dangerous. Continuing to give him a platform and not expressly calling out his antisemitism makes one complicit in accepting hatred, racism and its inevitable consequences.”
Julia Sussman, CEO of Australian organisation Youth HEAR (Holocaust Education and Remembrance), in a statement to TDA
