Antisemitism in Australia
Real antisemitism harms Jews. Political misuse of antisemitism claims harms justice.
Antisemitism is real and Jewish people deserve safety. But genuine concerns are being manipulated by the right wing pro-Israel lobby to silence criticism of Israel’s genocide in Gaza and annexation of the West Bank. This harms everyone: it diminishes real antisemitism and stifles pro-Palestinian advocacy.
Scroll down to see some recent articles, posts and media releases that cover antisemitism in Australia.
Police confirmation of ‘fabricated terrorism plot’ shows the need to stop exploiting antisemitism
Yesterday, the Australian Federal Police confirmed that the incident in January in which a caravan was found with explosives was part of a ‘fabricated terrorism plot’ orchestrated by organised crime. This comes as other antisemitic incidents have also been linked to organised crime and foreign actors. These incidents have caused fear and panic amongst many in the Jewish community…
Jewish Council’s criticism of Australian universities’ new antisemitism definition covered by The Guardian, Asia Pacific Report and Pearls & Irritations
Sarah Schwartz recently spoke to a range of publications about Australian universities’ new antisemitism definition. An excerpt of Sarah’s comments that were quoted in the Guardian: “This definition risks increasing antisemitism by suggesting that all Jews support the state of Israel, and can be held responsible for Israel’s egregious human rights abuses.” Use the links…
Jewish Council of Australia slams universities’ adoption of dangerous, politicised and unworkable antisemitism definition
[Image credit] Today, Australia’s 39 universities endorsed a dangerous and politicised definition of antisemitism which threatens academic freedom, will have a chilling effect on legitimate criticism of Israel, and risks institutionalising anti-Palestinian racism. They did so without meaningful consultation with Palestinian groups or diverse Jewish groups who are critical of Israel. The Jewish Council of Australia strongly…
Max Kaiser speaks to AFR about the antisemitism investigation of Cairo Takeaway
Max Kaiser recently spoke to AFR (Australian Financial Review) for an article titled “Legal threat after ‘antisemitism investigation’ goes wrong.” An excerpt from Max’s comments quoted in the article: “There is enough real antisemitism out there in the world today. Confecting incidents like this … is horrible.” Click here to read the full piece (requires…
Jewish Council opposes Parliamentary Inquiry recommendation to adopt controversial definition of antisemitism
[Image credit] The Jewish Council is deeply concerned with many of the recommendations released yesterday by the Parliamentary Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities. While increasing rates of antisemitism are of serious concern, this series of inquiries has been overtly politicised. The Jewish Council is strongly opposed to the recommendation for universities to adopt a…
Max Kaiser appears on SBS’s Weekend One On One podcast about allegations of antisemitism against Elon Musk
Max Kaiser recently appeared on SBS’s Weekend One On One podcast about antisemitism and far-right extremists. From SBS’s description of this podcast episode: “Amid a rise in antisemitic incident around the world, a wave of scrutiny has fallen at the feet of a somewhat unlikely target – the richest man in the world – Elon…
Sarah Schwartz speaks to AFR about antisemitism in Australia
Sarah Schwartz recently spoke to Australian Financial Review for a piece titled ‘We must rescue our society’: PM urged to lead on antisemitism. Click here to read the piece (requires AFR subscription).
Sarah Schwartz’s piece in Crikey: “Selective reporting on Amsterdam attacks perpetuates anti-Palestine racism and antisemitism”
Sarah Schwartz has recently had a piece published in Crikey titled “Selective reporting on Amsterdam attacks perpetuates anti-Palestine racism and antisemitism”. Click here to read the piece.
Max Kaiser speaks to SMH responding to ECAJ’s unreliable data on antisemitism rates
Max Kaiser recently spoke to Sydney Morning Herald, responding to ECAJ’s unreliable data on antisemitism rates. Click here to read the full article (requires subscription).
Jewish Council of Australia to speak at Senate inquiry today opposing Coalition’s divisive antisemitism Bill
[Image credit] Sarah Schwartz and Dr Elizabeth Strakosch from the Jewish Council of Australia will speak today at 10.15 am at the Senate inquiry into the Coalition’s Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill (2024). They will warn that the proposed legislation could be used to justify policies which stifle free speech and…
Max Kaiser piece in Meanjin: “Jews, antisemitism and power in Australia”
Max Kaiser has recently had a piece published in Meanjin titled “Jews, antisemitism and power in Australia.” An excerpt from the start of the piece: In the midst of Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, I am highly aware that Jews in Australian society have never been so visible, and that the question of antisemitism has…
Jewish Council of Australia opposes Coalition’s antisemitism Bill, citing political agenda to stifle free speech on Palestine
[Image credit] The Jewish Council of Australia has today expressed its opposition to the Coalition’s Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill (2024), warning that the proposed legislation could be used to justify policies which stifle free speech and academic freedom. In a submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee,…
