Israel Accuses Australia of Inaction on Anti-Semitism, Citing Arson Attack and UN Vote

Israel Accuses Australian Government of Inaction on Anti-Semitism

The Israeli government has launched a scathing attack on the Australian government, accusing it of failing to adequately address the rise of anti-Semitism in the country. This follows a series of anti-Semitic incidents, including the arson attack on a Sydney childcare center.

Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, claims that the Albanese government's policies are fueling violence against the Jewish community. She criticizes the government's slow and cautious response to anti-Semitic incidents, arguing that this inaction has allowed the problem to escalate.

"The attitude of the current Australian government towards Israel is inflaming a lot of these emotions and giving, I guess, some acceptance when you do not fight it," Haskel stated. "The Jewish community needs actions, and only through that, through deterrence, through investigation, prosecution — you have to fight it."

Haskel also cites Australia's recent voting record at the United Nations as evidence of the government's tacit approval of anti-Semitism. She points to Australia's support for a motion demanding Israel end its occupation of Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank as an example.

"We didn't expect Australia to join this political game," Haskel said. "What we've experienced here during the last year is Israel's hardest time … we expected one of our best allies, a very historical long-term friend to actually support us and they turned their back."

The Australian government has refuted these claims, stating that it has taken significant steps to combat anti-Semitism. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke highlighted the introduction of new laws against Nazi symbols and doxxing, as well as the ongoing investigation into hate crimes.

"The concept that we are waiting is frankly wrong," Burke said. "There were no laws against Nazi symbols and the Nazi salute in Australia ... we changed the law. There were no laws about doxxing ... when doxxing was used as a form of anti-Semitism, we brought in laws. We have legislation in parliament now about hate crimes. There have been visa cancellations I have personally done."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned attempts to link the anti-Semitic attacks to Australia's UN voting record. He emphasized that such attempts deny agency to the perpetrators and distract from the true issue of hate crimes.

"The concern here is that an attempt to politicise this has another result, which is that it denies agency of the actual perpetrators, it denies agency. It is an attempt to turn away from those people engaged in these hate crimes towards it being a political issue," Albanese said.

The escalating tensions between Israel and Australia over the issue of anti-Semitism remain a significant concern. It is crucial for both governments to work together to address this issue effectively and ensure the safety and security of all communities.