Religious groups in S’pore saddened by recent anti-Semitic incidents, urge all to respect diversity
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Multiple religious organisations in Singapore condemned the anti-Semitic acts, and called for respect for all races and religions.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
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- Singapore religious organisations condemn recent anti-Semitic incidents here, including vandalism and verbal abuse.
- Minister K. Shanmugam emphasised the safety and fair treatment of everyone, adding that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated.
- Religious groups call for mutual respect and social cohesion, warning against letting overseas conflicts divide Singapore and threatening the safety of anyone.
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SINGAPORE - Religious organisations in Singapore said they are troubled and saddened by recent incidents of anti-Semitism here, and have called for mutual respect for all.
This comes after Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said on Nov 6 that there had been several incidents of anti-Semitism here
For instance, some toilets in international schools with Jewish students were vandalised with anti-Israel vulgarities in September.
In another case in October, a Jewish man wearing a skullcap on his way to the synagogue in Waterloo Street heard a passing motorist shout “Free Palestine” at him.
Mr Shanmugam cited these examples while speaking to the media on the sidelines of a closed-door engagement session with members of the Jewish community at the Chesed-El Synagogue.
These incidents come in the wake of global tensions due to the Israel-Palestine conflict that began in October 2023
Mr Shanmugam had said that acts of anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in Singapore, noting how the laws and norms here reflect that everyone, regardless of race and religion, must be treated fairly.
In response, multiple religious organisations in Singapore condemned the anti-Semitic acts, and called for respect for all races and religions.
On Nov 6, the Singapore Buddhist Federation said it was saddened to learn about the increased hostility faced by the Jewish community here.
“We urge all Singaporeans and residents, regardless of race and religion, to uphold and respect our diversity,” it said.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said that it was troubled to learn of such acts of provocation against the Jewish community here.
“Incidents such as these are unacceptable in our society, where every race, language and religion is equally protected by our Constitution. Any acts intended to deliberately create division and foster ill will between communities have no place in Singapore,” added the Catholic Church.
Noting how there is no place in Singapore for hostility or hate, the Singapore Kadayanallur Muslim League said: “No cause or conflict elsewhere, or any external developments, should ever be the reason to divide and polarise our people or threaten the safety of anyone who calls Singapore home.”
Also on Nov 6, the Sikh Advisory Board said the singling out and discrimination of any individual based on religious identity and appearance cannot be tolerated.
It said: “The Jewish Singapore community has contributed significantly to the nation’s development, progress and social fabric, and should not be subjected to such treatment. Whatever happens outside of Singapore cannot dictate how we treat one another within Singapore.”
The Alliance of Pentecostal & Charismatic Churches of Singapore said it affirms Mr Shanmugam’s remarks and rejects all forms of anti-Semitism.
On Nov 7, the National Council of Churches of Singapore acknowledged that global conflicts and events can evoke strong reactions.
It said: “However, as the minister has reminded us, we must not allow overseas tensions to divide us here at home. Singapore’s social cohesion is a shared inheritance, built over decades of trust.”
In a statement on Nov 7, Jamiyah Singapore said: “Singaporeans may hold different views on external conflict. However, these must be expressed responsibly, without endangering other communities’ dignity or safety. Our peace cannot be compromised by external tensions.”
It added that social cohesion is a shared responsibility, and the Republic must not allow overseas conflicts to fracture the harmony built here over generations.
Also on Nov 7, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore said: “Together with the relevant authorities and under the rule of law, we must ensure that our response to any form of hatred targeted at any religious group in Singapore remains firm and decisive, so that our social cohesion is protected at all costs.”
Meanwhile, the Centre for Interfaith Understanding urged the public to engage in constructive conversations on sensitive issues in the spirit of understanding and respect.
It said: “We call on all Singaporeans to continue choosing dialogue over division, empathy over anger, and understanding over intolerance.”
