Listen to the article
Israeli officials are condemning the Australian government for allegedly ignoring rising antisemitism that preceded this weekend’s deadly terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives and left dozens injured.
Israeli Knesset Member Pnina Tamano-Shata told Fox News Digital that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials witnessed the growth of antisemitism and anti-Israeli sentiment “right in front of their eyes” in recent months but failed to take appropriate action despite having reports of alarming trends.
“When governments around the world, and especially in Australia, don’t do something that they can do before something like this happens, they are giving in many ways a green light to antisemites and terrorists to hurt and to kill Jews,” Tamano-Shata said.
She emphasized that officials failed to recognize the connection between anti-Israel rhetoric and modern antisemitism, pointing to warning signs that included attacks on Jewish institutions. “This issue was in front of their eyes,” she added, referencing incidents where a synagogue was burned and an Israeli restaurant was attacked.
Her comments echo sentiments from other Jewish leaders both in Israel and Australia who say the attack didn’t come without warning. Dionne Taylor, communications manager of the Australia/Israel Jewish Affairs Council, expressed frustration over what she described as government negligence.
“We have been completely let down by our government,” Taylor said. “We warned them that this snowball effect was going to happen, and it was only a matter of time before someone got killed.”
Taylor described an escalating pattern of antisemitism in Australia: “It started with hate speech. Then graffiti. Then public demonstrations. Then firebombing synagogues, preschools, people’s homes, people’s cars. And now murder.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took aim directly at Albanese, highlighting a letter he had sent earlier this year when the Australian leader declared support for a Palestinian state. Netanyahu quoted from his letter: “Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire. It rewards Hamas terrorists. It emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets.”
He further criticized Albanese’s administration, stating, “You replaced weakness with weakness and appeasement with more appeasement. Your government did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia. You did nothing to curb the cancer cells that were growing inside your country.”
The shooting at Bondi Beach targeting a Hanukkah celebration represents one of the most deadly attacks in Australia’s recent history. The tragedy occurs against the backdrop of heightened global tensions following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, which has triggered protests and antisemitic incidents worldwide.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also issued a strongly worded statement, saying, “Time and again we called on the Australian government to take action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism that is plaguing Australian society.” Herzog’s post included an image of a blood-stained prayer shawl, underscoring the religious targeting nature of the attack.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar joined the chorus of criticism, stating that Australia had ignored “countless warning signs” and called on leaders to “come to their senses.”
The Australian government has yet to issue a comprehensive response to these specific accusations, though investigations into the attack are ongoing. The incident has renewed urgent conversations about how governments worldwide should address rising antisemitism and religious-based violence in their jurisdictions.
As the community mourns, questions remain about what preventative measures could have been taken and what steps will now be implemented to protect vulnerable religious communities in Australia and beyond.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
7 Comments
This attack is a devastating reminder of the real-world consequences of unchecked antisemitism. My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. I sincerely hope this tragedy leads to meaningful change and increased vigilance against all forms of hate.
The connection between anti-Israel rhetoric and modern antisemitism is an important point. Governments need to be vigilant in recognizing and responding to all forms of hate and extremism, regardless of their political or ideological origins.
Agreed. Allowing anti-Israel sentiment to go unchecked can create an environment where violence against Jewish people becomes more acceptable. Preventative measures are crucial.
Antisemitism is a global problem that requires a coordinated, multinational response. I hope this incident serves as a wake-up call for Australian and other world leaders to take stronger action against the spread of hate and extremism.
This is a troubling development. Rising antisemitism is a serious issue that must be addressed proactively to prevent such tragic attacks. Australian officials should have heeded the warning signs and taken stronger action to protect Jewish communities.
It’s concerning to hear that Australian officials may have overlooked warning signs of rising antisemitism. Proactive steps to address hate and protect vulnerable communities should be a top priority for any government.
This is a tragic and senseless loss of life. My condolences go out to the victims, their families, and the broader Jewish community in Sydney. Authorities must thoroughly investigate this attack and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.