Jewish Leader, US Diplomat Weigh in after Australia Cancels Visa for Pro-Israeli Blogger

Questions have arisen around freedom of speech after an American Israeli was barred from entering Australia.

Members of the Australian Jewish community hold Israeli and Australian flags during a memorial service in Sydney, Australia on Oct. 7, 2024. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

A U.S. ambassador and Jewish organisation have responded after a right-leaning influencer was barred from entering Australia on a charity tour.

Prominent American Israeli tech advisor and blogger Hillel Fuld was due to arrive in Australia to present on behalf of Magen David Adom, the Israeli equivalent of Australia’s State Emergency Service or the Red Cross.

Fuld had been due to speak in support of Magen David Adom at fundraisers in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as attending a number of events at schools and synagogues, but claims his visa was cancelled by the Australian government before he could make it.

A move the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) says will put the country at odds with Israelis.

Fuld’s brother Ari was murdered by a Palestinian, and he had previously expressed views linked with the Israeli right, including a belief that Israel is the rightful owner of the disputed territories.

Israel has called on Australia to reverse the ban on Fuld’s visa, while U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee appealed to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to allow Fuld into the country, according to The Australian newspaper.

In his letter to Burke, Huckabee said Fuld held strong views, but they were against terrorism and the Hamas invasion of Oct. 7, 2023, where more than 1,200 Israeli men, women, and children were slaughtered.

Huckabee said Fuld posed no threat whatsoever to Australia.

The Epoch Times contacted the Department of Home Affairs for comment.

Australian Jewish Association Critical of Policy

In a statement supplied to The Epoch Times, AJA CEO Robert Gregory said Magen David Adom was a vital organisation that provided emergency services.

“Notably, AJA previously assisted with a speaking tour by Hillel’s brother, Ari Fuld, a prominent advocate for Israel who was later murdered in an Islamic terrorist attack,” he said.

“The cancellation by the Albanese Government of the visa of Hillel Fuld represents more than just another act of hostility toward the Jewish community, it is deeply anti-Semitic.

“This follows the previous visa cancellation of former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, who was also due to speak to a Jewish organisation in Australia.”

Gregory claimed a double standard among the Albanese government, which he says has supplied more than $100 million in taxpayer funds to Gaza.

“The Jewish community does not seek government financial support for Israel,” he said.

“Instead, Australian Jews raise funds privately for humanitarian causes like Magen David Adom, which saves lives.

“Any effort to disrupt or sabotage such fundraising is not only petty—there appears to be a complete reckless disregard about whether it could cost lives.”

Gregory said the AJA would warn Jews from travelling to Australia under the current government.

“There is a real concern that Jewish visitors may have their visas revoked after flights and accommodation are booked, a disturbing and discriminatory precedent,” he said.