Australia, once considered a safe haven for Jews and Israeli visitors, has seen a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents, including the arson attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue during services and violent pro-Palestinian protests outside celebrity chef Eyal Shani’s restaurant, which involved smashed windows, thrown chairs, and chants of “Death to the IDF.” These events mark an alarming escalation of antisemitic acts following Hamas’ October 7 terror attack.
According to the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAM), 198 antisemitic incidents were recorded in Australia from January through August 2025. The breakdown by state: New South Wales – 84; Victoria – 68; Queensland – 18; Western Australia – 9; South Australia – 6; the Australian Capital Territory – 8; Tasmania – 1; and 4 unassigned.
Pro-Palestinian protest in Australia
(Video: Reuters)
In response, CAM convened an emergency summit on the Gold Coast in collaboration with Mayor Tom Tate, drawing hundreds of government officials, local leaders, council members, faith and community figures, diplomats, cultural influencers, educators, artists, and business leaders. Discussions focused on creating policies and actionable plans to combat antisemitism and curb the rising wave of anti-Jewish hatred.
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told attendees, “The Jewish community in Australia deserves the same security and protection as any other Australian citizen. We must do everything possible to eradicate antisemitism.”
Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon added, “Words and expressions of solidarity alone are insufficient. What’s needed is concrete, coordinated policy.”
CAM board member Robert Singer emphasized the local impact of leaders, saying, “Mayors are not distant policymakers. You can deploy police, protect schools and synagogues, and create public spaces where communities come together rather than drift apart.”
Alex Rivchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), warned that ignoring antisemitic events undermines essential policies and community support. “Denial of antisemitism is the main obstacle to its eradication,” he said.
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Alex Rivchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry
(Photo: Campaign Against Antisemitism)
Jillian Segal of CAM highlighted the importance of local governance: “Local authorities shape daily life—sports fields, main streets, school gates. This is where hate must be fought.”
Dr. Sharona Nazarian, Beverly Hills mayor and summit participant from the U.S., added, “History has shown that what starts with Jews never ends with Jews. Hatred always finds a new target.”
A recent CAM survey of 1,000 Australians found alarming trends: one in five young adults (18–34) witnessed or heard of antisemitic incidents locally, with nearly one in four in New South Wales reporting exposure. Less than a quarter of Australians (24%) described societal attitudes toward Jews as positive, while 28% labeled them negative. Nearly half (49%) expect public officials, mayors, and local leaders to take stronger action against hate, violence, and intolerance.
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Dr. Sharona Nazarian, Beverly Hills mayor and Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate
(Photo: Campaign Against Antisemitism)
Sasha Roitman, CAM CEO, said, “Australia has reached a boiling point. Local authorities are the first line of defense against hate. Mayors and leaders must safeguard tens of millions, including Jews under attack. The summit equipped key stakeholders with tools to fight antisemitism, and they committed to uniting efforts against hate, terror, and violence. Australia must return to being a place where Jews and all citizens can live freely and safely.”