This morning, a childcare centre was set alight and graffitied with antisemitic words. This is only the latest in a string of violent antisemitic incidents, which include attacks on synagogues and on the former home of a Jewish community leader.

The Jewish Council strongly condemns all of these incidents. These reprehensible acts of violence are attacks not only on individuals or institutions, but on Jewish communities more broadly.

Our thoughts and prayers are with every person affected, and with all Jewish people who are feeling scared at this time.

These acts underscore the urgent need for cooperation, education and community dialogue to combat prejudice and promote understanding. 

We urge politicians not to use these attacks for political point scoring or to spread other forms of hatred, such as Islamophobia or anti-Palestinian racism. Responses such as these breed racism and division rather than combating them.

Sarah Schwartz, Executive Officer

For Jews, waking up to yet another antisemitic arson attack is terrifying. We send our solidarity and prayers to all Jewish people impacted by this recent spate of attacks. 

We call on politicians not to politicise this moment by relying on knee-jerk law and order responses which do nothing to prevent racism. 

We also urge people not to use these attacks to spread other forms of racism. Instead, our politicians need to take a principled anti-racism approach: listening to affected communities and to human rights groups, and promoting initiatives which bring communities together rather than sow division. 

Dr. Max Kaiser, Executive Officer

It is clear that antisemitic attacks are escalating in Australia, combined with Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. Now, more than ever, we remain committed to advocating for a society where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals and communities can live without fear of discrimination or violence.

Media contact

0493 970 412

jewishcouncil@jewishcouncil.com.au