World Jewish News

Perth's Jewish community says people convicted of racially-motivated attacks should be educated so they realise the damage

Perth's Jewish community says people convicted of racially-motivated attacks should be educated so they realise the damage their actions cause.
Daniel Tyrone Klavins, 26, Frank James Lemin, 20, and Benjamin Weerhyme, 28, yesterday pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage by painting swastikas and racist messages on synagogues and Asian restaurants across Perth.
Klavins was sentenced to 10 months jail, Lemin to seven and Weerhyme given a suspended sentence for his smaller role in the crimes.
Kevin Blitz from the Hebrew Council says the attacks struck at the heart of the Jewish community.
"These people probably are unaware of the hurt and hatred they exhibited towards not only the Jewish people, but to all the various ethnic groups that were victims of this outburst," he said.
He says offenders should be educated about why the attacks are so offensive.
"For example there is a holocaust museum here in Perth, albeit small, but maybe time spent there to understand what went on, why people are angered, why people are so emotionally affected by these sorts of gestures, that is the type of remedy that will fit the crime," he said.

Источник: http://www.abc.net.au