Key facts
- George Foster, president of the Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Descendants, drew parallels between current antisemitism in Australia and Nazi Germany.
- He cited the exclusion of Jews from public life, normalization of antisemitic language, and attacks on Jewish institutions as concerning trends.
- Foster expressed shock at antisemitic chants heard at a protest following the October 7 Hamas attacks.
- Synagogues and schools have reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents since October 2023, leading to enhanced security measures.
- Some schools are charging parents security levies and have altered uniform policies to protect students.
George Foster, president of the Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Descendants, has stated that a rise in antisemitism across Australia bears "disturbing parallels" with the social climate of Nazi Germany.
Speaking at the antisemitism royal commission in Melbourne, Foster acknowledged that Australia's democratic institutions are fundamentally different from 1930s Germany. However, he highlighted concerning trends such as the exclusion of Jews from parts of public life, the normalization of antisemitic language, dehumanizing descriptions of Jewish people, conspiracy theories, and attacks on Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses. He also noted a fear among Jewish Australians about displaying their identity publicly.
Foster recounted being shocked by antisemitic chants at a protest on the steps of the Sydney Opera House shortly after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. He described the chants as vilification of Jews to a degree he had not expected to witness in Australia.
Representatives from various Jewish institutions also testified about the impact of increased antisemitic incidents since October 2023. Benjamin Klein, president of the Adass Israel synagogue, described a "devastating" arson attack in December 2024, which Asio alleges was directed by the Iranian government. Klein noted the synagogue's unsuccessful attempts to secure government grants for security prior to the attack.
Schools like Mount Scopus Memorial College and Bialik College have also reported numerous antisemitic incidents. Dan Sztrajt, principal of Mount Scopus, stated the school had recorded 131 incidents since January 2022, including graffiti and a student performing Nazi salutes. Tyson Wodak, president of Bialik College, mentioned the school changed its uniform policy for excursions to enhance student safety.
Rabbi Levi Wolff of Sydney's Central synagogue reported receiving "almost daily" threats and abuse, sharing an instance where a community member expressed fear about displaying a mezuzah on their doorpost due to safety concerns.