Antisemitic Incidents on the Rise in Australia
Authorities in Australia have strongly condemned an antisemitic attack in Sydney, where four vehicles and a former Jewish community leader’s residence were vandalised. Two of the cars were set on fire during the incident, which occurred in Dover Heights, an affluent suburb in Sydney’s eastern region. The attack is one of over 100 incidents under investigation by Operation Avalite, a task force created in December to address the rising tide of antisemitism in the country.
The vandalised property was previously owned by Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ). Ryvchin, an outspoken advocate for stronger government action against antisemitism, acknowledged the possibility that his former home was deliberately targeted. “If this wasn’t a targeted attack, it’s a remarkable coincidence,” he remarked. Red paint was smeared on the building, and the words “F*** Jews” were scrawled on one of the partially burnt vehicles.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, describing it as a betrayal of Australian values. Speaking on ABC Radio, he emphasised the need to foster unity and reduce societal tensions. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke also weighed in, denouncing the attack as a hate crime that carries severe penalties. He assured Australians that law enforcement agencies are diligently working to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Nothing happening elsewhere in the world justifies hate crimes here,” Burke stated.
New South Wales (NSW) Police are leading the investigation and have released surveillance footage from another recent antisemitic incident, where red swastikas were painted on two synagogues in Sydney’s Allawah and Newtown suburbs. The suspects, dressed in black, were seen fleeing the Newtown Synagogue on a pushbike and an electric scooter. Police revealed that the culprits also attempted to start a fire at the site.
In response to escalating incidents, the Australian government launched Operation Avalite, a specialised task force comprising 20 officers, analysts, and counter-terrorism experts. The unit has been investigating antisemitic activities since October 2023, including an arson attack that severely damaged Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue in December. Increased security measures have since been implemented at Jewish schools, community centres, and places of worship.
The task force recently achieved its first breakthrough, charging a 44-year-old man with making death threats against the Australian Jewish Association via social media. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley promised swift and decisive action against perpetrators, stating, “We will hunt you down, and we will lock you up.”
David Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, expressed deep concern over the attacks, calling for stronger protections for the Jewish community. “No Australian should go to bed fearing hate crimes,” Ossip asserted. State Premier Chris Minns echoed this sentiment, urging the enforcement of stricter laws to safeguard worship spaces like Sydney’s Great Synagogue.
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“These increasing acts of antisemitism and violence must be met with a united front,” Minns said. “We need to send an unequivocal message that such actions will not be tolerated.”
The rising antisemitic incidents come amid heightened tensions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent military response in Gaza. Regular pro-Palestinian protests in cities like Sydney have further polarised the Australian public. Thousands of demonstrators have called for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief for those affected in Gaza.
Prime Minister Albanese reiterated Australia’s support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He stressed the importance of ending hostilities and ensuring safety and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. “Australians want peace and do not want to see conflict brought to our shores,” he concluded.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://www.thehindu.com/
