Security for Jewish and Israeli Australians in Australia does not need to be increased, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The prime minister made the comments following the widespread attacks by the militant group Hamas on south Israel, which has claimed over 1,100 lives since Oct. 8
While there were no immediate concerns for the community in Australia, Mr. Albanese said, “But there are issues here—a rise in anti-Semitism,” in an interview with Sky News.
He said the traumatic attack in the “very volatile part of the world” was a real concern among people, and that the world “quite rightly” condemned it.
“Anti-Semitism, unfortunately, is present and is just wrong. And I know that racism is always wrong, no matter who’s targeted. Whether it be anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, or other forms of racism, it is always a bad thing. My government will do what we can to combat it and support vulnerable communities,” he said.
“Israel does have a right to defend itself. It will do that, as you would expect.”
Related Stories
Hamas militants entered Israeli territory early on Saturday morning, fired thousands of rockets, gunned down civilians, and held at least 100 people hostage.
Fighting is still ongoing in some areas, and thousands are injured in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said was a “long and difficult war.”
It was the country’s worst loss since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Mr. Netanyahu said the country’s military would use its entire strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”
Subsequently, the Israeli air force has attacked senior Hamas officials’ homes in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli reporters.
Overseas Australians of Concern
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government was confirming the welfare of Australians in Israel on Oct. 9 and urged them to “please contact your families to assure us all of your safety.”However, the foreign minister was unable to confirm if any Australians were killed or injured in the hostilities.
She said the government had altered national travel advice to “not travel to Gaza” or near the border, adding that, “I think it is always the right thing for Australia to urge restraint and the protection of civilian lives.”
Ms. Wong took to X (formally known as Twitter), on Oct.7, to say the Australian government “unequivocally condemns” Hamas’ attacks on Israel, including “indiscriminate rocket fire on cities and civilians.”
“We call for these attacks to stop and recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was on board with Ms. Wong saying the Liberal-National Coalition “utterly condemns“ the ”unprovoked and abhorrent attack.”
“It is another example of a deliberate act of violence intended to inflict maximum harm on innocent civilians. The attack is a provocation,” he wrote on X.
He agreed Israel has every right to defend itself to deter future attacks and other acts of aggression, coercion, and interference.
The Coalition called on the Victorian government to follow the lead of major cities including New York, Kyiv, Singapore, and Berlin, to light up the Parliament of Victoria as a “clear, unequivocal symbol of Victoria’s support for the people of Israel and our Jewish community.”
Meanwhile, Victorian Police say there have been no reports of incidents or threats in the state; however, they were mindful of a potential escalation in tensions, including at places of worship.
“Local police have been briefed to respond accordingly,” they said in a statement.
New South Wales (NSW) Police continue to monitor and work with Jewish community members to ensure “everyone can live their daily lives without the fear of discrimination or violence.”
South Australian and Tasmanian police said they were unaware of any immediate security threats to residents within their states and would advise if that changes.
The Epoch Times contacted the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for comment.
Australian Palestine Advocacy Network Disappointed in PM’s Response
The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) President Nasser Mashni said he was “disappointed” in Mr. Albanese for not acknowledging the thousands of Palestinians affected by Israel’s ongoing occupation of the Gaza Strip, during an interview with ABC on Oct 8.Mr. Mashni called for the government to “speak out about our rights” and alleged an overwhelming majority of Australians were “on the side of justice for the Palestinians,” according to polling.
“Palestinians are calling beyond the realities of governments and their desire to speak up for Israeli rights. They want an international court of justice to come in and investigate what Israelis are doing to Palestinians, and if we’re guilty, hold us to account, but come and investigate,” he said.
Further, he said Western governments “who say things like Israel has a right to defend itself” aided the “brutal Israeli regime.”
“It’s time for the world to wake up and help the Palestinians achieve their self-determination rights to live peacefully and freely in their lands.”
