Australia backed a UN resolution urging Israel to promptly cease its illegal presence in the ‘Occupied Palestinian Territory.’ In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the Australian Labor government for being “anti-Israeli,” linking it to an arson attack on a Jewish synagogue in Melbourne. Netanyahu’s remarks marked a direct rebuke of the Australian leadership by Israel, amidst rising antisemitism globally. The attack, which occurred on Dec. 6, involved firebombing the Adass Israel Synagogue, resulting in injuries to two individuals. Netanyahu condemned the incident, attributing it to the Australian government’s support of a pro-Palestinian resolution at the UN. In contrast, reports indicate a surge in Islamophobia as well. The attack on the synagogue was deemed an antisemitic act, prompting a call for heightened vigilance against such crimes. Investigations are ongoing, with police urging the public to provide any relevant information or footage. Despite differing views, both Israel and Australia denounced the attack and voiced their commitment to combatting antisemitism. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the incident and emphasized the need for decisive action against antisemitism. Prime Minister Albanese echoed these sentiments, denouncing the attack and reaffirming Australia’s stance against such acts of hatred. Labor Minister Murray Watt defended Australia’s support for the UN resolution, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards antisemitism. The resolution calls for Israel to end its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and recognizes the rights of the Palestinian people.
Ukraine Among Nations Abstaining as Anti-Semitism Rises: Federal Opposition
Multiple nations, including Ukraine, abstained from taking action as opposition leader Peter Dutton spoke out against the dramatic rise of anti-Semitism in Australia since Oct.7, calling it “deplorable.”
“The anti-Semitism has no place in our society. Racism of any nature should be absolutely abhorred and condemned,” said Dutton on Dec. 6.
“What I want in the Middle East is peace. We’re not going to allow that if we have terrorist organisations given support. In our country, the level of anti-Semitism is a national disgrace and we should be doing everything we can to stamp it out because we wouldn’t treat any other person the way that we’re treating the Jewish community at the moment.”
Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay highlighted various instances of anti-Semitism following the Hamas terror attacks.
“We have all seen the footage of the protesters at the Sydney Opera House, are aware of the doxxing that saw the personal information of 600 Jewish Australians leaked from a private WhatsApp group, and saw pro-Palestinian activists choosing to demonstrate inside a Melbourne hotel where relatives of Israeli hostages were staying,” she wrote in an opinion piece.
Recently, a man was charged for a vandalism spree in Sydney’s affluent eastern suburbs, home to the city’s largest Jewish community.
State Leader Allocates Funds for Rebuilding and Security Enhancement
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the attack on a synagogue as an act of anti-Semitism that must be strongly rejected.
“We all stand here today to condemn in the strongest possible terms this hateful, violent attack on a beautiful peaceful place of worship, a place of study, the beating heart of the Adass Israel community here in Melbourne,” she told reporters.
The government pledged $100,000 for synagogue reconstruction and $1 million to enhance security at Jewish events across the state. Victorian Liberal Leader John Pesutto emphasized the need for those responsible for such attacks to face legal consequences.
“The Liberals and Nationals stand with our Jewish community at this difficult time and support Victoria Police to find those responsible and bring them to justice.”
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