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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Australia Inquiry Considers Arming Private Security for Jewish Events

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A royal commission in Sydney heard arguments for arming private security guards at Jewish events to enhance safety.
  • Risk consultant Gavriel Schneider suggested private security could provide rapid response before emergency services arrive.
  • The proposal faces broad public aversion in Australia, though some Jewish community representatives advocate for armed protection.

Sydney's Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is examining the potential for arming private security guards to protect Jewish events, a proposal met with both support and public apprehension.

The notion that one makes a community safer by arming more people might not be one that enjoys broad support in the Australian context.

— Virginia Bell SC ACCommissioner Virginia Bell SC AC questioned the suggestion of arming private security, highlighting broad public aversion to visible armed presence at community events.

Risk consultant Gavriel Schneider testified that the private security sector could offer a crucial rapid response capability during violent incidents, bridging the gap until emergency services arrive. He specifically suggested arming private security officers at open-air events, citing the Hanukkah celebration targeted in a recent terror attack as an example.

Commissioner Virginia Bell SC AC pressed Schneider on the suggestion, noting that Australians are generally "averse" to a visible armed security presence at community gatherings. Schneider acknowledged these concerns but maintained that armed private security could serve as a "valuable alternative or support" to police resources.

The private sector could provide a valuable alternative or support to existing policing resources.

— Gavriel SchneiderRisk consultant Gavriel Schneider defended his proposal, suggesting armed private security could supplement police efforts.

Robert Gregory of the Australian Jewish Association argued that the Jewish community would not feel safe at open-air events without armed protection. He stated that if communal organizations are trained and willing to protect their community, they should be allowed to carry weapons, questioning the difference between protecting synagogues and other Jewish events.

The Jewish community would not feel safe attending open air events unless there is armed protection.

— Robert GregoryRobert Gregory of the Australian Jewish Association advocated for armed protection at communal events.

While the proposal for arming private security at Jewish events is being considered, it faces significant public skepticism in Australia. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between enhancing security measures and maintaining broader societal norms regarding firearms.

If we are trusting people to carry weapons to protect synagogues, I think what's the difference if they are protecting Jewish events in other places?

— Robert GregoryRobert Gregory questioned the distinction between allowing armed protection at synagogues versus other Jewish events.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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