Politics · Australia · 1 day ago
Victorian premier apologises over antisemitism as Jewish Australians voice fears
The opinion piece says Jewish Australians are facing discrimination and many feel unsafe or unwelcome.
It says the number of Australians starting the process of moving to Israel rose 89.7 per cent in a year, to 590.
About half of Australia’s Jewish population—around 60,000 people—lives in Victoria.
Victoria Premier Ben Carroll recently apologised, saying the state and country had not done enough and that no one should have to choose between being Jewish and feeling Australian.
The piece distinguishes antisemitism in Australia from debates about the Middle East conflict, saying people should not be blamed for events they do not control.
It also says Glen Eira council, which covers a strongly Jewish area, has introduced an antisemitism strategy.
The writer calls for more public support from political leaders and for people to challenge antisemitism when they see it.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll apologised for the state and country not doing enough to address antisemitism.
Carroll said no one should have to choose between being Jewish and feeling Australian.
An opinion article says Jewish Australians feel unsafe and unwelcome, and some have left or are considering leaving.
The article says 590 Australians began the process of immigrating to Israel, an 89.7 per cent increase in a year.
It calls for public support for Jewish Australians and stronger leadership against antisemitism.
- Who
- Victorian Premier Ben Carroll apologised, while Jewish Australians voiced fears about antisemitism.
- What
- Carroll said the state and country had not done enough to address antisemitism.
- When
- A few days before the article was published.
- Where
- Victoria, Australia.
- Why
- Carroll acknowledged that the state and country had not done enough; the article links the concerns to antisemitism that has grown since the war in Gaza began.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
As a state and as a country we did not do enough … I am sorry.
No one should ever have to choose between being Jewish and feeling Australian. That is not the country we accept.
The article refers to 1200 Hamas murders on October 7.
Ben Carroll said the state and country had not done enough and apologised.
- Australians beginning aliyah
- 590
- Increase in aliyah process
- 89.7 per cent in a year
- Jewish population in Victoria
- About 60,000
- Jewish share of Australia's Jewish population living in Victoria
- About half
Sources
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