Never Again is Now

Never Again is Now: A Movement Rising Against Antisemitism in Australia

9 February 2024

3.3 MINS

Led by Christians, Never Again is Now is standing against antisemitism in Australia. With events planned around the country, this is a movement of solidarity among Australians against anti-Jewish racism and hatred. It is for such a time as this.

Can anything good come out of the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October? And the horrific events in Sydney two days later as thousands chanted for the genocide of the Jews?

Observing the response of many to stand with Israel at this time means the answer is ‘Yes’. Since the Second World War, there’s never been a more pressing time for the Church to declare its support of Jewish people in the face of rising antisemitism.

But there’s also never been a more unified Church of awakened believers rising to proclaim that support.

With this, Never Again is Now – an organisation springing up since October last year – wholeheartedly agrees.

The Church Rising Against Antisemitism

In a statement given to the Daily Declaration, Never Again is Now said, “Over the past four months, there has been a noticeable rise in support for Israel from individuals and churches around the world.”

“While it is disheartening to witness the silence and apathy towards Israel, we are seeing a growing support from churches, leaders, and individuals worldwide.”

“They recognise a dangerous pattern emerging, a pattern we saw leading to the Holocaust, repeating itself in this generation, and are motivated to take a stand against antisemitism and support the Jewish nation.”

“Never again” is based, of course, on the phrase coined at the end of the Second World War. A catchphrase reminding the world that the horrific Holocaust must never repeat itself.

The Beginning: One Anglican Pastor Stands Against the Crowd

Reverend Mark Leach – who co-founded the organisation – was at St Andrew’s Cathedral, next to the Sydney Town Hall, on 9 October. He went to watch what the crowd would say – and to pray. But taken back at the “Kill the Jews” chanting, he unfurled his Israeli flag.

Why?

In a post with 1.2 million views, Leach responds,

“Because Australia is surely the best country in the world! Our democracy, our free speech, our rule of law, our multi-cultural diversity and acceptance of each other, our freedom of religion, and our safety make us the envy of the world. And all of that was being eroded this afternoon.”

This is about Australia’s Judeo-Christian beliefs and values – the very reason for the Canberra Declaration’s existence – which have made Australia the extraordinary country that it is.

Speaking with Andrew Bolt on Sky News, Leach revealed more about why he took his stance against antisemitism. “I thought as a Christian pastor and as a Jew… someone from Australia… has to turn up and show that we stand with Israel. And we stand against the genocidal barbarism of Hamas.”

Leach refuses to take a backwards step in the face of racism against his fellow Jews. He continued by saying, “We will not be cowed by the Islamist strategy of instilling fear in a community, lest perhaps we offend their delicate jihadist sensibilities.”

While Leach quickly walked away, one furious pro-Hamas protestor menacingly signalled he would slit Leach’s throat. Another bizarrely repeatedly shouted out, “Fascist”. An angry group followed him until Leach hid behind a police van, and the police dispersed the pursuers.

The police did not, however, find a sufficient basis that an incitement to violence had been committed. Was this due to a lack of awareness, or a deliberate act of cowardice?

It is in the face of this very real threat of antisemitic hatred that Never Again is Now has been birthed.

Mark’s Contagious Courage Continues in the Family

Freya Leach is following in the footsteps of her courageous father. At the forefront of the response to the increasing antisemitic sentiment in Australia, she was recently interviewed on Sky NewsOutsiders.

Asked why it was important to attend the Never Again is Now rallies, she had a ready reply. “This is a movement led by Christians and ordinary Australians to stand up and oppose this 738% increase in anti-Jewish hate since October 7.”

“And stand for our Judeo-Christian values of tolerance, love and cohesion. That is what we are doing.”

Never Again is Now Events Coming Across Australia

With our great Judeo-Christian values on the line, Never Again is Now events are being organised across the country. Sydney (18 February) and Adelaide (3 March) are coming up fast.

In addition, planning is underway for locations in Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Hobart and Brisbane.

These events “are committed to ensuring that no such evil [i.e. antisemitism] finds a home in our beautiful country of Australia.”

Rather, “we believe that decent, peace-loving Australians oppose antisemitism, and want a safe, inclusive, and cohesive society for all.”

“We look forward to working with anyone of any religious, or non-religious, background who wishes to join us in this stand.”

Registration for the events is essential. Find out more information about the events and register here.

It is for such a time as this.

___

Image via Shutterstock.

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19 Comments

  1. Jim Twelves 9 February 2024 at 9:18 am - Reply

    Sam, you have nailed it! Brilliant! Thank you so much for bringing this story. I will be attending the rally in Sydney Sunday 18 February, lets encourage anyone who can, to get down there and take two major stands – support for the Jews and Israel in their time of great need, and unity in the church recognizing the times and the season we are living through.

    • Samuel Hartwich 9 February 2024 at 9:32 am - Reply

      Thanks, Jim! And wonderful to hear that you will be there. Hopefully, it will be a wonderful time with many showing solidarity at this time.

      • Jim Twelves 12 February 2024 at 10:57 am - Reply

        Sam, congratulations for getting ‘number one’ spot with this piece, brilliant! Have you seen the London crowds at last November’s event? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dq3-R9ab2fY

        • Samuel Hartwich 12 February 2024 at 5:44 pm - Reply

          It’s an amazing reflection of our amazing readers and CD community!

          I hadn’t seen that shot – thanks for posting it! Encouraging!

  2. Gail Petherick 9 February 2024 at 10:05 am - Reply

    Thank you Sam for such a great article and for revealing the work of inspiration behind it (surely a move of the Holy Spirit and one brave Man, Mark leach an Anglican Minister with a Jewish heritage). I love that Mark said he ‘took a tiny stand’ when he raised his Israel flag at the Sydney rally but sadly he was soon was inundated with Palestinian and Hamas supporters. Next thing he had to run for cover behind a police van and thank God they protected him.
    It is again a great act of courage to see Mark has launched the ‘Never again is Now’ movement and rally to have Christians stand beside Jewish people and to encourage all other groups to join the ‘Never again is now’ rally in peace. This is a such a beautiful step towards supporting Jewish people everywhere and those in Israel and who suffered in the Gaza onslaught.
    May it be used by God to make a ground swell of support that rises up all over Australia and shines as a light (like the Bethlehem star) drawing in young and old who understand the Holocaust of WW2 must never happen again. It was one of the cruelest and most unjust acts in human history against one race where the majority remained silent due to fear.
    May many have the courage to stand in friendship with our Jewish brothers and sisters- many of whom came here or fled here over 70 years ago to live in peace. We welcome all Jewish settlers then and we must stand with each one now in love and friendship and in compassion.
    God too will ask us to give an account of how we have treated His chosen people the Jews (according to the covenant made with Abrham and many scriptures that show he has given Israel to these people). Many have forgotten that Jesus the Saviour of the world was Jewish…we know how much He suffered and how he was rejected by men and he had nowhere to lay his head but Australia has been a country of the fair go until now and has welcomed people in peace. Let us rise up and pray too for this great move of support for those of Jewish heritage who are suffering greatly at this time. May we in Australia not be found wanting.

    • Samuel Hartwich 12 February 2024 at 6:03 pm - Reply

      Thanks for the comment and the encouragement, Gail! Yes, Mark has certainly been a courageous leader in this, and I wish him all the best as it grows and gathers momentum.

  3. Joy Montgomery 9 February 2024 at 12:14 pm - Reply

    Thankyou Sam . We are praying for a Revival of Courage within the Christian Church of Australia. We also will be attending the Sydney Rally – our first one ever, but being children born during World War 2, we lived with the stories of that time & we must stand up against this evil invading our world again.

    • Samuel Hartwich 12 February 2024 at 6:04 pm - Reply

      Thanks Joy, we need the experience and wisdom of your generation to guide future generations!

  4. Lynne Wright 9 February 2024 at 1:00 pm - Reply

    Bless you Sam for such a pertinent article relating to our time here now in Australia
    Praying also for Mark and blessing him for his courage to wave his flag of Israel
    Truly never again is now!! Yes God does require a response from each one of us as to how we treat His people…Jesus Himself said.. “Whatever you do to the least of My brethen..you have done it unto Me’…Matthew 25:40 v
    Our Jewish Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives and rule and reign over this planet from the centre of this earth Jerusalem!!
    Let us show our Saviour that we love Him by the way we love His people..
    The Jewish people gave us the Scriptures led by the Holy Spirit We are indebted to them… and our love for Israel blesses the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob.. Thankyou Mark We stand with Israel

    • Samuel Hartwich 12 February 2024 at 6:05 pm - Reply

      Thanks Lynne, yes, won’t that be a magnificent time!

  5. Nel Farnik 9 February 2024 at 11:14 pm - Reply

    Thank you Samuel for this outstanding article. Just wonderful how you have given us this background. It is definitely time for the Body of Christ to stand with Father’s Beloved Chosen People. We are in an Esther moment – for such a time as this. May each one of us play his part in being part of the answer. Ba shem Yeshua – In Jesus’ name. Nel Farnik, Celebrate Israel

    • Samuel Hartwich 12 February 2024 at 6:06 pm - Reply

      Thanks Nel, it is a fascinating background and amazing how things come together, even out of dark situations. Bless you.

  6. Fay Martin 13 February 2024 at 1:57 pm - Reply

    Wonderful. That these rallies will take place. I have been praying that Christian Churches would witness their support for Israel together . I will keep praying but sadly at 90 and living in a regional area I cannot attend. My heart and prayers are with you

  7. Gail Petherick 15 February 2024 at 12:52 pm - Reply

    Thanking God for Anglican minister Mark Leach beginning this movement with his one Israeli flag back in Oct9 2023 and taking the step of courage. Thank God too for Freya speaking up across the media and in interviews that compel listeners to think again about anti Semitism.
    May God bless all who stand with Israel on Sunday and protect all- with His angelic hosts and give wonderful blessings to the Jewish people present. Amen

  8. Kym in Adelaide 18 February 2024 at 8:31 pm - Reply

    Here is the video of the Sydney rally from Today

  9. Kym in Adelaide 18 February 2024 at 8:31 pm - Reply
  10. Gail Petherick 20 February 2024 at 10:19 pm - Reply

    Thanking God that 12,000 attended the ‘Never again is now’ rally in Sydney Sunday 18 Feb -all standing in solidarity with Israel- showing their love and support. Amen

  11. Israel has no swag 1 May 2024 at 8:22 pm - Reply

    Anti-Israelism is not Ant-Semitism, if that where the case then Jewish people like Einstein and many Orthodox Jews are either not Jewish or are self hating Jews which i don’t think is the case.

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