National Action Against Rising Anti-Semitism Urged by Jewish Community Representative

Jillian Segal, the representative for Jewish Australians, has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to summon a national cabinet meeting in light of increasing anti-Semitic incidents in the country. Over the summer, there have been multiple acts of hatred, including a terror attack on a synagogue in Melbourne and an arson attempt at a synagogue in Newtown, Sydney. In addition to these events, vehicles have also been vandalized and set on fire, exhibiting anti-Jewish slogans.

In a meeting with the premiers of New South Wales and Victoria, along with the Australian Federal Police commissioner, discussions were held regarding the troubling trend of anti-Semitism. Segal expressed that this gathering was a positive initial response, but emphasized the necessity for ongoing dialogue that includes other state leaders, as concerns about anti-Semitism are not limited to those two states. Following the establishment of Special Operation Avalite to tackle incidents of anti-Semitism, Segal highlighted the urgent need for better collaboration across states and harsher penalties for hate crimes.

Segal described incidents of anti-Semitic vandalism as not simply property damage, but as actions intended to instill fear within the community. She stressed that the judiciary must recognize the serious implications of these crimes and impose severe sentences, noting that failing to do so could undermine democracy. In response to Segal's comments, Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged the severity of the situation, declaring that it is a broader issue affecting all Australians and undermining national values. Wong emphasized the importance of government discussions and expressed satisfaction with the prime minister's recent engagement. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton reiterated calls for a national cabinet to address anti-Semitism, citing ongoing advocacy since the escalation of conflict following the Hamas terror attack on Israel.