Prime Minister Condemns Rise of Anti-Semitism on Oct. 7 Anniversary

Opposition leader Peter Dutton expressed solidarity with Israel and Jewish Australians, stating, ‘The Coalition stands with our ally Israel.’

A cyclist wearing the flag of Israel is seen during an art exhibition and demonstration at Centennial Park in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 14, 2024. Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has voiced his concern over the rise of antisemitism in Australia, particularly in the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.

On the anniversary of the Oct. 7 assault, which claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israeli civilians, Albanese reaffirmed the government’s commitment to condemning all forms of hatred and discrimination.

“Jewish Australians have felt the cold shadows of antisemitism reaching into the present day, and as a nation, we say never again. There is no place in Australia for discrimination against people of any faith,” Albanese said in a statement.

He also condemned Hamas’ violent actions, recognising the distress the conflict has caused for the Australian community.

“We unequivocally condemn all prejudice and hatred,” he said.

The statement comes at a time when Jewish student and staff unions are calling for a judicial inquiry into rising antisemitism on Australian university campuses since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. Student unions have warned that antisemitism is becoming entrenched due to universities’ failure to address the issue.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton also took to social media to express solidarity with Israel.

“The Coalition stands with our ally Israel—rather than treating her like an adversary,” Dutton said.

He also addressed Jewish Australians, assuring them of their importance to the nation.

“You are cherished Australian citizens. That same spirit will see the Jewish people today—in Israel, in Australia, and around the world—prevail over present ordeals,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott weighed in on the anniversary of the Hamas attack, issuing a statement in opposition to calls for a ceasefire. He said the conflict was a moral battle between “good and evil” and criticised Australian leaders for what he described as double standards towards Israel.

Abbott also criticised ongoing international calls for a ceasefire and de-escalation in the region., saying that such demands, if met, would only serve to benefit terrorist groups like Hamas.

“Since Oct. 7, while Western leaders have conceded Israel’s right to self-defence, they’ve almost always urged that it not be exercised. There have been constant demands for ‘ceasefires’ and for ‘de-escalation,’” he said.

Thousands March, Protesting Gaza

A few thousand pro-Palestinian protestors took to street on Oct. 6 against Israel’s retaliatory attacks on Gaza and now Lebanon.

According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry sources, Israel’s war on terrorist group Hamas, has reportedly killed nearly 42,000 people, displacing 1.9 million, and leaving an additional 500,000 facing severe food insecurity.

While the protest remained mostly peaceful, police reported one arrest in Sydney and four in Victoria for attempting to disrupt the peace. The protestors were eventually released.

Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said overall police were pleased with behaviour from the estimated crowd of 10,000.

“The NSW Police worked closely with our partner agencies and protest organisers to execute a significant and robust police operation across the Sydney CBD, which evidently had a successful outcome,” Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said.

Some attendees had made paper kites with the names of Palestinian children killed in the past year written on them.