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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

'Get this right': Top US Jewish leader's stark warning for Australia

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The head of the Anti-Defamation League warns Australia faces a critical test in combating rising antisemitism.
  • A royal commission is investigating the rise of antisemitism, with a recent report showing a 270% surge in incidents in Australia since 2021.
  • The ADL chief criticizes the rhetoric at some pro-Palestinian rallies, stating it fuels hate against Jewish people and has shattered Australia's image as a safe haven.

Australia is at a crucial juncture in confronting a significant rise in antisemitism, according to Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive of the Anti-Defamation League. As a royal commission resumes its hearings in Sydney, the focus will be on protests, hateful conduct, and police management of demonstrations.

It is gut-wrenching. I think the massacre in Bondi is an indelible stain on Australia.

— Jonathan GreenblattSpeaking about the Bondi massacre memorial.

Greenblatt, a prominent Jewish leader in the US and former White House advisor, described the recent massacre in Bondi as an "indelible stain" on Australia. He noted that the nation's long-held reputation as a safe place for Jewish people has been "shattered" by a wave of incidents, including vandalism and the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne.

This is an injury that Australia always will bear. The question is how Australia moves forward from here.

— Jonathan GreenblattReflecting on the impact of the Bondi massacre.

A recent global report highlighted a staggering 270% increase in antisemitic incidents in Australia since 2021, the highest surge among countries examined. Greenblatt questioned the government's response, asking, "where was the Australian government?"

Antisemitism in Australia did not start with the massacre at Bondi.

— Jonathan GreenblattDescribing the broader context of antisemitic incidents.

He specifically criticized slogans used at some pro-Palestinian rallies, arguing they amount to "pro-hate" rhetoric that harasses Jewish people over events happening globally. Greenblatt asserted that such conduct would not be tolerated against any other ethnic group and is "despicable" in Australia.

It's not anti-Israel. It's pro-hate to harass Jewish people [over] what's happening on the other side of the world.

— Jonathan GreenblattCriticizing slogans used at pro-Palestinian rallies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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