Between 2 Fires: How Labor’s Factional Politics Created Space for Antisemitism

Jewish leaders have spoken as both sides of the political spectrum present plans to address skyrocketing rates of antisemitism in Australia.

Messages and flowers are seen attached to the fence at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea in Australia on Dec. 9, 2024. Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images

The Labor Party’s attempt at balancing internal factional and voters’ interests, has created a vacuum for social cohesion to deteriorate and antisemitism to flourish, warns Jewish leaders.

The firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue stands as the defining moment in a year of heightened community unrest stemming from the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.