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Amid Israel’s seemingly relentless crises — hostage deals, terror attacks and political upheaval — it’s easy to miss what’s happening elsewhere. Yet in once-upon-a-time peaceful Australia, a deeply troubling story is unfolding.
Just recently, at an anti-racism summit hosted by Queensland University of Technology (QUT), a space meant to promote inclusion and tolerance, Jews were singled out for hatred. What should have been a forum to combat prejudice became a blatant display of Jew hate — something that would have been unthinkable if directed at any other minority.
This incident at QUT is part of a larger, alarming trend. Since October 7, Jew hate has surged across Australia, mirroring a global rise. The country’s Jewish community, long considered vibrant and secure, is now confronting levels of hatred that were previously unimaginable.
Australia’s Jewish population, around 120,000 strong, has historically been a well-integrated and peaceful community. But recent months have shattered that sense of safety. Jew hate has skyrocketed—a 738% increase in incidents since October 7, according to Israel’s Diaspora Ministry. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) reported a 316% rise in incidents over the past year, with more than 2,000 documented cases of verbal abuse, vandalism, physical assaults, and arson.
The violence has been terrifyingly real. In December, Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue was set on fire, causing significant damage. Days later, a car was torched near Jewish homes in Sydney, accompanied by antisemitic graffiti.
Later that month, another Sydney synagogue narrowly escaped destruction after an arson attempt, while swastikas and hateful slogans appeared on Jewish institutions across the country. “The Jewish community feels abandoned by the current government,” said Jason Steinberg, President of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies.
These acts aren’t just isolated incidents—they reflect a disturbing normalization of hate. As a fellow of the Center for Jewish Impact (CJI), an organization deeply involved in promoting interfaith dialogue globally and combating antisemitism, I see how critical it is to address such incidents head-on before they become entrenched in society.
While Australia is nowhere near European levels of antisemitism–we must remain vigilant. Australia must do more to ensure this trend is reversed and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Words aren’t enough
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned antisemitism in strong terms, stating that there is “no place for Jew hate in Australia.” But words alone can’t extinguish the flames. To be clear, the Australian government is not committing these antisemitic acts —but by failing to act decisively and comprehensively, it is allowing the environment to worsen. Without stronger leadership, these acts of hatred will continue to escalate.
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Federal funding has focused on upgrading buildings to make Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centers more secure. This is important, but it misses a critical issue. The biggest expense for protecting the Jewish community isn’t infrastructure—it’s people. The cost of hiring trained security guards to physically protect these spaces is overwhelming, and this monetary burden is largely borne by the Jewish community itself.
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Antisemitic demonstartion in Australia
While the recent efforts by police in Sydney to provide security during drop-off and pick-up times at Jewish schools are welcome, this should be expanded to a 24/7 police presence. The need for security extends beyond these limited hours and should be extended to other Jewish communal sites as well.
Without increased police presence, the vast majority of the costs are borne by the community itself, placing an enormous financial burden on Jewish institutions. Continuous police protection would provide a stronger, more consistent level of safety for the community, ensuring peace of mind at all times without relying on the community to bear the full cost.
More than just safety measures are needed to heal this divide. Community leaders stress the importance of fostering interfaith dialogues, which can help dispel harmful stereotypes and build bridges of understanding. Government support for such programs could go a long way in addressing the roots of prejudice.
The need for education and accountability
Beyond security, Australia must take a hard look at education. The failure of the QUT anti-racism summit highlights a widespread lack of understanding about antisemitism. Schools, universities, and public institutions must implement programs that specifically address antisemitism. Generic anti-racism discussions are not enough. Antisemitism must be named and called out explicitly, without excuses or double standards. Tougher penalties for hate crimes are also essential to send a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated.
Why It matters
This isn’t just about the Jewish community. Jew hate is a symptom of a deeper problem—a threat to Australia’s democratic values, diversity, and social cohesion. A country that prides itself on tolerance cannot afford to let hatred fester unchecked. If Jew hate is allowed to grow, it risks eroding the very fabric of the nation. Australia is still a far safer place for Jews than many other locations, and yet – this relative safety cannot be taken for granted.
For Israel, this is also a critical moment. Jewish communities worldwide are under pressure, and allies like Australia must step up to show that they stand unequivocally against antisemitism. Failure to act decisively could send a dangerous message: that hatred can flourish unchallenged.
Nathan JoelPhoto: Courtesy of Center for Jewish ImpactAustralia must rise to this challenge, addressing not only the immediate crisis but also the long-term cultural shifts needed to ensure that all minority groups feel safe and valued. Now is the time for action, not rhetoric. Australia must make it clear: Jew hate has no place in the lucky country.
Nathan Joel is a Fellow at the Center for Jewish Impact (CJI), Israeli-Australian hi-tech professional.