Thank you so much to everyone who has signed and shared this petition already. If you've chipped in to help promote the petition demanding an apology from the Treaasurer then I'm so so grateful.
Please keep sharing and explaining to your networks that this kind of behaviour by a so-called leader in our Parliament is beyond disgusting. Equally disgusting was the behaviour of the LNP members behind him who were laughing hysterically as he denigrated Hindus, Buddhists, yoga practitioners (of whom there are reportedly 2million+ in Australia) and anyone who believes in the wellness of their fellow citizens. Don't forget we pay these individuals to manage the country or in Josh's case managing a fledgling economy but they have turned our democratic centre into a circus.
Yesterday SBS News published an article with a synopsis of JF's performance in Parliament. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australian-hindus-demand-apology-after-treasurer-s-demeaning-references-to-indian-religion Consequently Josh's 70s style racist comedy routine can now be seen beyond twitter and will help to explain what happened and why it is so wrong.
The likes of Joe Hildebrand, Mathias Corman and Dave Sharma have rushed to defend Frydenberg from accusations that he is racist or that Hindus are offended. This may not fit their narrative but if you read the comments on my petition you will see clearly how many Hindu Australians actually are incredibly offended e.g "Totally unacceptable and insulting to what for a community of Australians is sacred"
Why did I feel so incensed personally that I was moved to create this petition demanding Frydenberg's apology? Like Josh I am of Jewish heritage. Like Josh I abhor anti-semitism. Like Josh I'm incredibly fearful of the rise of the far right. Unlike Josh I abhor intolerance, racism and bigotry in every form it takes. In mocking the religion and beliefs of others, Josh Frydenberg has shown himself to be nothing but a hypocrite. He shames victims of the Shoah by humiliating "the other" in a public arena in the same way Nazis did to Jews.
Unlike Josh I am a practising yogi. Yoga, meditation and a natural wellness regime has kept me in good health since I went through breast cancer 15 years ago. I am astounded that the Treasurer of supposedly multi-cultural Australia thinks this is some kind of laughing matter.
Note: I phoned Josh Frydenberg's office to explain my case and why I demand an apology on behalf of tolerant multi-cultural Australia. I wasn't satisfied by the nonchalant attitude of his gate keeper so I created this petition instead.
We deserve better from our so-called leaders. Bullying, Name-Calling and Mocking by adults in a position of power is seen by our kids. What example does this set for them when we tell them not to bully?
Satnam
Judith