Minister Shanmugam emphasizes law and order while highlighting the Jewish community’s contributions to Singapore.
SINGAPORE: Singapore is committed to safeguarding its Jewish community from the global repercussions of the ongoing Gaza conflict, said Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam on Thursday (Apr 11). Speaking at a pre-Passover event hosted by the Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) at the Jacob Ballas Centre, Shanmugam stressed the government’s priority to maintain law and order and protect all communities.
“Our fundamental duty is to protect everyone and ensure law and order,” he stated.
The minister cited the government’s firm response to a recent social media post by the Israeli Embassy in Singapore, which risked inflaming tensions by drawing comparisons between Israel and Palestine in the Quran. “Such posts can undermine the peace and harmony we enjoy in Singapore and put the Jewish community here at risk,” he warned.
Rising Global Tensions
Shanmugam noted the global surge in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, highlighting troubling statistics:
In the United States, anti-Muslim discrimination and attacks reached record highs in 2023, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Anti-Semitic incidents spiked by over 300% in the month following October 7, 2023, as reported by the Anti-Defamation League.
These tensions have led to violence and harassment worldwide, from Europe to Southeast Asia. Singapore, however, has managed to avoid importing these conflicts, thanks to its robust legal framework and commitment to multicultural harmony.
“In Singapore, the level of tension and friction is significantly less compared to other places,” Shanmugam said, attributing this to the government’s consistent enforcement of laws and efforts to foster understanding between communities.
Protecting Minorities in Singapore
Singapore’s commitment to protecting minorities, including Muslim and Jewish communities, is unwavering. Shanmugam reiterated the government’s zero tolerance for violence, whether expressed or enacted.
“Our laws are clear, and people know we mean what we say,” he asserted, emphasizing Singapore’s unique position as a multicultural society that prioritizes harmony.
Singapore’s Balanced Stance
Shanmugam also highlighted Singapore’s principled approach to the Middle East conflict, which he described as consistent and clear at both national and international levels.
“While our relationship with Israel has been strong since our founding, we take a principled view on actions in the Middle East,” he said, noting global concern over Israel’s recent actions.
Despite the challenges, Shanmugam reaffirmed the government’s mission: “We want to insulate and protect our Jewish community from the impacts of these global events as much as we can.”
A Message of Unity
The pre-Passover celebration served as a reminder of Singapore’s commitment to religious harmony. JWB President Nash Benjamin emphasized the importance of continuing to build strong bonds among Singapore’s diverse communities.
Passover, one of Judaism’s most significant festivals, begins on April 22 and commemorates the liberation of Jews from slavery in Egypt over 3,000 years ago.
