Australia Appoints Anti-Antisemitism Special Envoy
TimeJUN 2024
Australia: Suspected Arson Damages Melbourne Synagogue
Above: Synagogue members recover items from the Adass Israel Synagogue on Dec. 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. Image copyright: Asanka Ratnayake/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Australia's Jewish artists, professionals, and businesses are facing an unprecedented surge of antisemitic harassment, threats, and discrimination. The government must adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's antisemitism definition, enact robust anti-hate legislation, empower the police to act against racial incitement, and unequivocally protect Jewish citizens from escalating targeted violence.
Narrative B
While Australia confronts rising antisemitism, the government must carefully balance protecting Jewish Australians with preserving free speech. Surveys show overwhelming public support and tolerance for Jews. This suggests that measured and nuanced approaches, which don't conflate legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism, are crucial to maintaining Australia's multicultural harmony.