Anti-Semitic Incidents in Australia Surge 738% Since Last Year

From The Daily Declaration

anti-Semitic

Anti-Semitic Incidents in Australia Surge 738% Since Last Year

19 DECEMBER 2023

2.3 MINS

A shocking new report reveals a skyrocketing increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia following the Hamas invasion of Israel.

Death threats, graffiti, beatings and chants of “intifada” are among a record 662 anti-Semitic incidents recorded in Australia in just October and November of this year, in a shocking new report from the Executive Council of Australia Jewry.

The same period last year saw 79 such events, marking a dramatic 738% rise in anti-Semitic incidents year-on-year.

In one incident, a group of 13-year-old Jewish girls in their Jewish school uniforms were pelted with food at a mall in Bondi Junction, Sydney, before having a box thrown their way decorated in swastikas.

A Jewish cyclist sporting an Israeli flag was the victim of another attack in Melbourne, when a female attacker grabbed his flag and two men pushed the victim to the ground before kicking him in the chest and back.

In a seperate incident that took place on a train in Melbourne, an assailant shouted at a Jewish man, “If I could get a hold of a machine gun I’d gun down 10,000 of you tomorrow.” He also threatened to “blow a hole through your synagogue,” and said, “Jews aren’t people, they’re pieces of sh*t”.

The ECAJ explains in the report that their figures are provisional and are likely to rise significantly as more reports come in covering the October-November period.

‘It’s a Shame for Our Country’

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the ECAJ, has warned that in response to the surge in anti-Semitic attacks in Australia, Jewish parents have begun telling their children to conceal their Jewish identities in public, as reported by the Daily Telegraph.

“Parents are speaking to their children about not disclosing their Jewishness in public, about hiding Jewish attire and symbols,” Mr Ryvchin said.

“The fact that in our society, in our time, these conversations are taking place, that one segment of our community feels that unsafe and that vulnerable from other Australians, it’s a shame for our country.”

In a Sky News interview, Walt Secord, Public Affairs Director or the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), said “I’ve lived in Australia now for 36 years and I have not seen anti-Semitism — the public expression of anti-Semitism — reach these levels in my entire life. It’s extraordinary.”

Mr Secord called the attacks “absolutely unAustralian”.

“We know that it’s a small group engaging in this activity but it’s absolutely unacceptable and it’s put the Jewish community on edge,” he added.

Global Surge in Anti-Semitic Incidents

A rise in anti-Semitic incidents is not just confined to Australia but has become a global phenomenon since the Hamas-led invasion of Israel on October 7 that saw 1,200 Israelis murdered, 6,000 injured and 250 taken hostage.

The New York-based Anti-Defamation League recently reported that anti-Semitic incidents in the United States have risen by 388%, the majority of which had direct links to the Israel-Hamas war.

Meanwhile in the UK, anti-Semitic incidents have surged 514% according to data from the Community Security Trust.

The Jerusalem Post reported in late October that a joint study found a global rise in anti-Semitic attacks of 500%.

Albanese Government Calls for Ceasefire

The shocking Australian report comes as the Albanese Government effectively revokes its support for Israel by voting at the United Nations for an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza.

It is an about-turn that has angered Israel and delighted Palestinian advocates, given Hamas’ genocidal intent for the Jewish people and desire to see the Jewish state annihilated.

The Australian Christian Lobby has launched a petition calling on the government to respond to the rise in anti-Semitism seen around the nation.

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