The Jewish Council joins six other Jewish organisations in calling for sanctions against the State of Israel
March 26, 2025
The Jewish Council of Australia has issued a joint statement with six other groups, opposing Israel’s decision to resume the horrific bombardment of Gaza and calling on the Australian government to impose sanctions on the state of Israel.
In a sign of growing community support, the statement was signed by seven Australian Jewish groups:
On 18 March, the Israeli military launched a wave of airstrikes in Gaza, massacring over 750 (and rising) Palestinians, including countless children. Survivors of Israel’s assault face excruciating conditions, including having to endure amputations without anaesthesia. Palestinians in Gaza are suffering from famine, the destruction of healthcare systems, relentless aerial attacks, and are now being subjected to a new wave of violence.
The statement rejects any naïve suggestion that the Netanyahu government has renewed fighting in order to bring back the Israeli hostages. The resumption of the bombardment of Gaza only endangers the lives of the hostages further, while ensuring death and destruction of Palestinians.
The statement comes as news emerged that Israel’s Security Cabinet had approved the establishment of a new ‘Voluntary Emigration Bureau’ for Gaza residents interested in relocating to third countries. In other words, and as confirmed by the UN Special Rapporteur, Amnesty International, and even a former Israeli defense minister, Israel is fully implementing its plan to ethnically cleanse Palestinians in Gaza.
Sarah Schwartz, Executive Officer of the Jewish Council, said:
'The tide has turned, and many Jewish organisations are now begging the Australian government to take material action to prevent Israel’s grotesque breaches of international law and slaughter of Palestinians, including through sanctioning the state of Israel. The Australian government can no longer rely on the notion of the Jewish community as a monolith to justify its support for Israel.
'Israel’s cynical use of the term ‘voluntary emigration’ is a gross attempt to cover up what this actually is — the implementation of Trump’s ethnic cleansing plan to erase Palestinian presence from their homeland. There is nothing ‘voluntary’ about being relentlessly bombarded for 18 months, killing children, journalists, healthcare workers, blocking aid, and destroying entire communities, homes, healthcare systems and educational institutions.
'The claim that Israel’s actions are driven by concern for the hostages rings hollow when it has repeatedly rejected ceasefire extensions that could have secured their release.
'Palestinians have the right to return to their homes, to rebuild their lives, and to determine their own future. We call on the Australian government to reaffirm its commitment to international law and Palestinian self-determination.'
For more information or to arrange an interview with Sarah Schwartz, email jewishcouncil@jewishcouncil.com.au or SMS 0493 970 412.
