Amid record levels of antisemitic incidents in Australia, a new survey found that less than a quarter of Australians (24%) would describe general public attitudes to Jewish people in Australia as very positive (9%) or slightly positive (15%). Some 28% of respondents described attitudes towards Jews as very negative (8%) or slightly negative (20%).
The survey released on Tuesday was initiated by the Combat Antisemitism Movement, which polled 1,000 respondents from across Australia between June 27 and July 1.
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Arson attack on Menbourne synagogue while worshippers were still inside
(Photo: From social media, Victoria Police)
In another poll response, one in five Australians ages 18 to 34 reported witnessing or hearing about antisemitic incidents in their area. In New South Wales, the most populous of Australia’s six states, nearly one in four young people reported local antisemitic incidents, as did one in five respondents ages 35 to 54.
Some 43% of respondents said that local councilors taking action against reducing religiously motivated intolerance would make them more likely to receive their vote, with 42% saying it wouldn’t change their vote, and 5% said it would make them less likely.
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Violent pro-Palestinian protests outside Israeli chef Eyal Shani’s restaurant
(Photo: From social media networks)
Australia has in recent months has faced a significant surge in antisemitic incidents. Recent disturbing events include an arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne, which occurred while around 20 worshippers were inside. In the same city, there were violent pro-Palestinian protests outside prominent Israeli chef Eyal Shani’s restaurant, which included smashed windows, thrown chairs, and chants of “Death to the IDF”, marking a new escalation in the unprecedented wave of antisemitic incidents in Australia over the last two years.
The survey also found that about half (49%) of respondents expect elected officials, mayors and local leaders to take a firmer stance against manifestations of hate, violence and religious or ethnic intolerance in their communities.
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Combat Antisemitism Movement announced that it will hold an Emergency Summit, September 3-5, in the Gold Coast, Australia.
The summit is expected to attract hundreds of participants from across the country, including government officials and mayors, local leaders, city council members, religious and community leaders, diplomats, cultural influencers and online personalities, educators, artists and business leaders. It will include discussions, meetings and lectures to formulate policies and an action plan to fight antisemitism and combat the growing wave of Jew-hatred.
“Australia used to be thought of as a safe haven for Jews, but that image has unfortunately been shattered over the last two years,” CAM CEO Sacha Roytman Dratwa said in a statement. “Many national and local authorities were left shocked and surprised by this wave of hate and we are working with our partners in Australia to provide strategies and the necessary tools to fight hate and antisemitism.”
“I am confident that hundreds of mayors will heed our call and join us to unite in the fight against antisemitism, terrorism, and violence. We will ask them to commit to a unified and firm stance against hate, to take a tougher line on the intolerable incidents happening daily in Australia, and I believe they will all commit to a policy of ‘zero tolerance.’ We believe we can form a coalition against antisemitism and bring about a deep, meaningful, and strategic social change in Australia’s fight against Jew-hatred. Australia must return to being the paradise it once was, a place where Jews and all citizens can live freely, safely, and with pride.”