A Jewish family from Melbourne says it was subjected to repeated antisemitic harassment at Melbourne Airport, where a woman allegedly shouted slurs including “baby killers,” “Zionist Nazis” and “Zionist pigs” as the family waited for an international flight.
The incident took place several days ago while the family, which included an 11-year-old girl and a 1-year-old baby, was preparing to board a flight. Their final destination was Israel.
Melbourne Airport
(Photo: muh_di/Shutterstock)
The father, who asked not to be named because of concerns for his family's safety, told Australian media that the harassment occurred three separate times.
After the first encounter, he said, the woman found the family again while they were going through security and confronted his sister, who was carrying a crying baby and was accompanied by her 4-year-old daughter.
The third encounter took place while the woman was drinking wine at a café in the terminal. Security personnel then intervened and brought the incident to an end.
According to the father, his 11-year-old daughter burst into tears and the family was left shaken by the episode.
He said that since the October 7 attack, he has instructed his children to conceal their Jewish identity in public settings.
Dr. Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, condemned the incident and called on the Australian Federal Police to investigate and identify the woman involved.
A Melbourne Airport spokesperson said no formal complaint had been received about the incident.
The airport nevertheless condemned antisemitism and said the terminal should remain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.