Australia’s Rising Tide of Antisemitism: Political Weakness and Dangerous Double Standards
A surge in antisemitic incidents sparks concern over Australian government's response as Jewish leaders report four-fold increase in attacks since October 2023.


In recent months, Australia has witnessed a shocking surge in antisemitic incidents, with reports indicating that such occurrences have more than quadrupled since October 7, 2023. This alarming trend includes heinous acts like the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024, marking a disturbing escalation in violence against the Australian Jewish community.
This wave of antisemitism has been fueled by global events, notably the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has emboldened extremist elements within our borders. Australian Jewish leaders have vehemently criticized the left-leaning Australian government for its tepid response, asserting that the surge in violence is a direct consequence of unchecked hatred towards Jews. Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, is deeply concerned about losing the political support of hardline Islamic clerics and their followers in key electoral seats around Southwestern Sydney. Pandering to Islamic interests has rendered Albanese dangerous and volatile in the eyes of many Australian Jews.
Particularly concerning are the statements from key political figures, such as Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who has controversially equated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with authoritarian leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping. Wong stated, "The actions of Netanyahu should be scrutinized with the same seriousness as those of Putin and China, particularly in the context of human rights abuses." This comparison has been perceived by many as an unfair singling out of the Jewish state, diverting attention from the escalating antisemitism within Australia itself.
Moreover, Wong's selective criticism is evident in her reluctance to condemn the atrocities committed by former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, whose regime was responsible for the deaths of approximately 500,000 people during the Syrian Civil War. This inconsistency raises questions about the government's commitment to addressing genuine human rights violations.
The growing tendency among political leaders from the Australian Labor Party and the Australian Greens, to draw false equivalencies between antisemitism and Islamophobia is deeply problematic. While all forms of hatred must be condemned, equating the two can obscure the unique and increasingly dangerous rise of antisemitic attacks in Australia. This misguided rhetoric not only damages Australia's global reputation but also undermines our security interests. It also damages our standing and partnership with the State of Israel - the only true democracy in the Middle East.
By echoing the narratives of anti-Israel activists, Wong has failed to acknowledge the barbaric and torturous ethos of Hamas and its radical Islamic ideology. Hamas is not a political movement seeking peace or statehood but a terrorist organization committed to violent jihad against Israel and the West. The horrific intimidation tactics employed by Hamas against Israeli hostages starkly illustrate their utter disregard for Jewish life.
Recent statistics reveal that antisemitic incidents in Australia have reached unprecedented levels, yet left-wing political leaders often fail to address this trend with the urgency it warrants. By drawing false moral equivalencies between Islamophobia and antisemitism, figures like Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, despite their superficial calls for unity, inadvertently provide cover for antisemites. This approach minimizes the unique and dire threat posed by antisemitism in Australia, undermining the necessity for strong, targeted action to protect Jewish Australians.
Instead of drawing parallels between these distinct forms of hatred, Australian political leaders must confront the stark realities of rising antisemitic violence and ensure that Jewish communities across the nation feel supported and safe. I know I speak for many Australian Jews right now when I hope and pray for a change in Federal Government at the upcoming election in the coming months.