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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Jews targeted by antisemitism regardless of views on Israel, inquiry told

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Jewish individuals are experiencing antisemitism regardless of their views on Israel, a royal commission in Melbourne has been told.
  • Progressive Jewish movements have reported receiving abusive calls, bomb threats, and lockdown drills.
  • The increase in antisemitism is described as 'exponential' following the October 7th Hamas attack and Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza.

A wave of antisemitism is impacting Jewish people in Australia, even those who are critical of the Israeli government, according to testimony presented to a royal commission. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is hearing from various groups in Melbourne about the escalating safety concerns.

Senior Rabbi Allison Conyer, who also chairs the Union for Progressive Judaism, told the commission that progressive Jewish movements have been subjected to a disturbing pattern of harassment. This includes abusive phone calls, bomb threats, and lockdown drills, which have become increasingly common.

Are you Jewish? Do you know where the Jews are? We're hunting Jews.

— Unknown individualA quote recounted by Rabbi Allison Conyer, illustrating an incident of antisemitic harassment experienced by a young Jewish adult.

Rabbi Conyer described the rise in antisemitism as "almost exponential" since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza. She shared an anecdote of a young adult who was driving in her neighborhood when a car pulled up, the window rolled down, and the occupants asked, "Are you Jewish? Do you know where the Jews are? We're hunting Jews."

This is blatant antisemitism, hiding itself and using Zionism as an excuse.

— Rabbi Allison ConyerRabbi Conyer's assessment of the motivations behind some antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish individuals.

Progressive Judaism, known for its inclusive and modern approach, welcomes LGBTQ+ members, female rabbis, and interfaith families. However, congregants have reported being vilified irrespective of their background or stance on the conflict. This includes a left-wing university student, who identified as Zionist but critical of Israel, being told by a socialist group, "we don't want your Zionist scum here." Another student, who defined herself as anti-Zionist, reportedly received death threats.

Rabbi Conyer stated that this is "blatant antisemitism, hiding itself and using Zionism as an excuse." The charged atmosphere has made it difficult for Jewish Australians to express grief over Israelis killed or taken hostage. Beyond security concerns, the community is experiencing profound psychological trauma, with many feeling vulnerable. The commission also heard about the financial strain on Jewish organizations struggling to cover security costs, with grant funding being sporadic and volunteers shouldering significant workloads.

The entire Jewish community has been traumatised.

— Lesli BergerLesli Berger, former president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, describing the psychological impact of recent events on the community.
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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