As a representative of the Jewish community, I carry with me the painful history of my ancestors who suffered during the Holocaust. The red-and-black Nazi banner, commonly used by Ukrainian nationalists, is a stark reminder of this horrific past.
This red-and-black banner was also displayed in the beginning of the procession of the Australia Day Parade in Adelaide, Australia, on January 26, 2024. it was not a fleeting experience: some children and adults of the local Ukrainian community took the time to pose for photographs next to this banner.

This flag, bearing colours associated with a far-right Ukrainian paramilitary group from the Second World War, when publicly displayed in Australia, not only disrespects those who endured unimaginable suffering but also fuels hatred and division among our diverse society.

As per the CBC source:

”Ivan Katchanovski, a political scientist at the University of Ottawa, said the red-and-black flag, along with the "Glory to Ukraine, glory to the heroes" slogan, was adopted by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) during its congress in Nazi-occupied Poland in April 1941. The UPA was the armed wing of Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), an ultranationalist, antisemitic and fascist organization.”

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6372995

As per the same CBC source:

”Marvin Rotrand, national director of the League for Human Rights at B'nai Brith Canada, condemned the use of the black-and-red flags spotted at pro-Ukraine events. "The UPA's black-and-red flag is consistently recognized as a fascist emblem and a hate symbol throughout the international community," he said.”

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.6372995

Moreover, as of January 8, 2024, “It is now unlawful to perform the Nazi salute in public or to publicly display, or trade in, Nazi hate symbols, with the Albanese Government’s landmark legislation coming into force today (Monday, 8 January).The new laws also ensure that glorifying and praising acts of terrorism are criminal offences under Commonwealth law.”

https://ministers.ag.gov.au/media-centre/nazi-salute-and-hate-symbols-now-outlawed-08-01-2024

If such is the case, then why has the Australian government allowed the display of this hate symbol on Australia Day- the day of  great national significance with a portrayal of all-embracing society which has no place for hatred, Nazism, fascism or antisemitism. 

Australia is home to over 91,000 Jews (as per 2016 Census data), many of whom are descendants or survivors of Holocaust victims. The public display of such hateful symbols can cause significant distress and fear within this community.

We urge the Australian government to follow in the footsteps of countries like Germany and Austria that have already banned Nazi symbols in public spaces. It's time for Australia to take a stand against this particular red-and-black banner, urge the government to respect its own laws prohibiting hate symbols, and promote unity and respect for all its citizens. 

Please support us in urging our government to ban public displays of red-and-black UPA banner and issue a public apology to all the families and communities which fell victims to Holocaust and Pogroms, having to be subjected to such an insensitive display of UPA banner on Australia Day in Adelaide, South Australia. 
Sign this petition today!