Antisemitism still alive in Australia

Even our national broadcaster, the ABC, has published and aired antisemitic comments. Some of these include "I was once puzzled as to why the Jews were disliked so much, but am now beginning to understand.....they're behaving like Gestapo !" on an ABC Facebook page, and the factually baseless claim that "some Yeshiva religious schools, which are also segregated on the basis of skin colour" on the ABC website. Another ABC airing was the audience comment in reference to Jews that "'You have a religion of racism, hate, homicide and ethnic cleansing.' Something I fully agree with." All these cited incidents were only edited or removed after the ECAJ had submitted complaints to the ABC.

Antisemitism is increasingly expressed and incited by the anti-Israel movement. This movement includes university students and socialist organisations, as well as advocacy groups composed of a small number of Christian clergy, trade unionists and academics. Many participants in these groups do not themselves espouse antisemitic prejudices but their publications and activities nonetheless act as a magnet for avowedly antisemitic individuals. The anti-Israel movement is attracting hard-core antisemites to its ranks from neo-Nazis and radical Islamists both openly advocating genocide against Jews.

There are two particularly disturbing aspects of the anti-Israel movement. Firstly, they often deny that any criticism of Israel can be antisemitic, and tend to accuse Jews of using antisemitism as a means to stifle debate on Israel. Secondly, the anti-Israel movement tends to avoid accepting any responsibility for antisemitic commentary posted on the online media of their respective organisations and displayed at their events.

Public condemnation and counter-measures by leaders and organisations in the Australian community of antisemitism and of antisemitic incidents is paramount in combating this insidious form of racism. This sends a clear signal to antisemites and other racists that racism and racially motivated violence are not acceptable in Australia.

For a diverse society, such as Australia's, to be harmonious, it is imperative that all Australians, regardless of race or religion, are able to live without harassment and hatred, without vilification and violence. Antisemitism is pervasive and pernicious. It targets Jews but continues to be a destructive force to all others in its reach. Speaking out against it is therefore in everyone's interests.