The delegation, comprised of representatives from various political backgrounds, underscores Australia’s commitment to supporting the nation.
Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Birmingham is set to lead a cross-party delegation to Israel in solidarity with the nation after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.
Mr. Birmingham will be joined by Victorian Labor backbenchers Josh Burns and Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Liberal National MP Andrew Wallace, and Victorian Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie.
The delegation aims to meet with officials from Palestine and Israel over several days, fostering diplomatic dialogue.
“As Shadow Foreign Minister, I am pleased to have the opportunity to visit Israel, demonstrating our enduring support for Israel’s right to exist and its inherent right to self-defence, including the removal of Hamas as a terrorist threat,” Mr. Birmingham said.
“The shocking terrorist attacks of Oct. 7 saw the largest killing of Jewish people on a single day since the Holocaust and with the continued holding of hostages by Hamas, a trauma that is enduring for Israel, its people and Jewish people around the world,” he told the ABC.
Mr. Birmingham has since criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for not travelling to Israel and criticised his ministry for not joining the delegation. The Greens are also not taking part in the trip.
“I’ve engaged, I have met personally with the Israeli ambassador, I had him to my residence, and had discussions with leaders of the Palestinian community, leaders of the Jewish community here in Australia,” he said.
Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out two months ago, 16,248 Palestinians have been killed and more than 42,000 wounded.Israel Issues Travel Warnings for Australia
The delegation comes as Israel issued warnings about travel to Australia on Dec. 5. Israel also increased its travel warnings for other countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
The Israel National Security Council (NSC) heightened Australia’s threat level to level two, advising people to “exercise increased precaution.
Mr. Birmingam called the threat level a “stain” on the nation.
“We have one of the highest populations of people who settled in Australia following the holocaust, and to now have Israel judge us as a country where Jews need to take such precautions is a terrible, terrible thing, a stain on our nation, and it must be removed through government action,” Mr. Birmingham
said in response.
He argued the Albanese government missed a pivotal opportunity to remove the stain on Australia at a National Cabinet meeting on Dec. 5.
“Following today’s National Cabinet, the Prime Minister made no mention that state and territory leaders had even discussed the rise in antisemitism, let alone signed a joint statement of support for Australia’s Jewish community that condemned antisemitism in all its forms and committed to action to end antisemitism,” he said.
Since the Oct. 7 attack, Australia has experienced a gradual rise in anti-semitism.
On Oct. 9, the Opera House was illuminated in support of Israel, but later, pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrived, chanting and participating in flag-burning and flag-stomping. New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns expressed his dismay, describing the protest as horrifying.
In Melbourne, a video surfaced from a recent protest showing activists chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
Mr. Birmingham linked the rise in antisemitic behaviour to distress among Jewish Australians and urged action.
“This deep embarrassment to our nation warrants action from Mr Albanese, not inaction,” he said.
“The Coalition has continually offered bipartisan support to the Labor Government to identify and commit to practical measures at the National Cabinet for the safety of Australia’s Jewish community, as suggested by Peter Dutton weeks ago.”Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles Affirms Confidence in Australia as a Safe Place for Jews
However, when asked if confident that Australia is a safe place for Jewish people right now, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said “yes.” “But I think it’s really important that all of us, in what is a very difficult time globally, are looking after each other,” he added.
He said care must be the basis upon which upon which everyone expresses the legitimate right to freedom of expression.
“And it is very important that as people legitimately express their views about what’s happening in the world, this is done in a peaceful manner,” he added.
He “absolutely” understood that many in the Jewish community are finding this to be a very difficult time.
“And it is really important that, be it those of the Jewish community or those in the Islamic community, that Australians are looking after everyone.”
Monica O'Shea contributed to this report.
