The Australia I grew up in is unraveling as antisemitism shatters a safe haven - opinion

Australia, long perceived as "the lucky country," is now grappling with a disturbing rise in antisemitism that erodes the sense of security for its Jewish population, according to Sari Nossbaum.

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Australia used to be known as “the lucky country.” For many Jewish families - including my own - it truly was.

Nossbaum recounts how Australia provided a safe haven for Holocaust survivors, including her grandfather, who rebuilt their lives and established thriving Jewish communities. These communities became integral to Australian society, with Jews serving as leaders, professionals, and philanthropists, while also developing a deep pride in their adopted country.

She fondly remembers a childhood where Jewish heritage and Australian culture coexisted harmoniously. This included attending Australian rules football matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Jewish identity was visible alongside broader Australian traditions. Nossbaum describes a sense of belonging that allowed for the free intertwining of her Jewish background with local customs.

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And that was the Australia I remember so fondly: a place where I could freely intertwine my strong Jewish heritage with the local culture.

Memories of Jewish holidays, such as Lag Ba'Omer parades and Hanukkah celebrations in the park, are recalled as vibrant events where Judaism was openly expressed. These experiences highlight a past Australia where Jewish life flourished openly, a stark contrast to the current climate where antisemitism is perceived to be shattering this once-safe haven.

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Judaism was never something hidden or hushed.