Caught in the Crossfire: The Role of Labor Factional Politics in Fostering Antisemitism

December 20, 2024 TruthUSA

Jewish leaders in Australia have expressed concerns as politicians from both ends of the political spectrum propose measures to combat rising levels of antisemitism in the country.

According to Jewish leaders, the Labor Party’s efforts to balance internal factions and voter interests have created a situation where social cohesion is deteriorating, leading to a rise in antisemitism.

The firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue marked a turning point in a year marked by community unrest following the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Labor Premier Jacinta Allan of Victoria and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have taken steps to address the ongoing antisemitic incidents.

Reports from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry indicate that there were 2,000 recorded cases of antisemitism in the past year, averaging about 5.4 incidents per day by November.

Albanese has pledged $32.5 million to enhance security at Jewish facilities and established the Avalite police task force to combat antisemitism. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has outlined similar plans.

Damage is seen following a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 9, 2024. (AAP Image/Yumi Rosenbaum) — Damage is seen following a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 9, 2024. AAP Image/Yumi Rosenbaum

Hate Gaining Traction in a Vacuum

Prominent Rabbi Laibl Wolf from Melbourne attributes the rise in antisemitism to a radical minority group.

According to Rabbi Wolf, certain minority groups, especially those leaning towards extreme left views or pro-Hamas ideologies, have taken advantage of the political environment created by the Labor government’s stance on Israel.

Labor has found itself in a delicate position, having to balance competing interests at home.

Despite global condemnations of Hamas following the Oct. 7 attacks, Australian ministers were relatively reserved in their responses, particularly towards local support rallies.

Palestine supporters rally outside the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 9, 2023. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) — Palestine supporters rally outside the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 9, 2023. Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

“[Education Minister Jason] Clare even claimed he was unaware of the meaning of the statement ‘from the river to the sea,’ a pro-Palestinian chant advocating for the elimination of Israel,” wrote the late MP Kevin Andrews in an opinion piece.

Labor, which holds significant electorates in western Sydney and competes with the Greens in inner-city areas with strong pro-Palestinian sentiments, faces pressure for its stance.

Rabbi Laibl Wolf. Photo: Courtesy Rabbi Laibl Wolf.

Despite efforts to court votes from various directions, Rabbi Wolf believes Labor’s approach will not succeed. He also suggests that the funding allocated to Jewish communities by the Australian government should be rejected.

“Jews should not accept any money from the Australian government at the moment,” he said. “It’s either hush money or bribery.”

Another Example

In response to the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing, Albanese promised increased support for the Jewish community. However, Foreign Minister Penny Wong made a statement during the Hawke Lecture that raised concerns within the Jewish community.

Wong’s remarks on Middle East democracy, where she accused Israel of violating international law, drew criticism for equating Israel with Beijing and Moscow’s actions.

“We expect Russia to abide by international law and end its illegal full-scale war on Ukraine. We expect China to abide by international legal decisions in the South China Sea. We also expect Israel to abide by international law,” Wong said.

Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, speaks to the media at Government House in Auckland, New Zealand on Dec. 6, 2024. (Fiona Goodall/Getty Images) — Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, speaks to the media at Government House in Auckland, New Zealand on Dec. 6, 2024. Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Her comments drew criticism from various quarters, including Colin Rubenstein, the Executive Director of the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, who accused her of being factually incorrect.

Former Labor Minister Mike Kelly highlighted the escalating issue of antisemitism in the country and emphasized the need for a strong response from the government, particularly in terms of policing and intelligence.

Kelly also pointed out the underlying problem in Australia’s foreign policy that needed to be addressed.

He criticized the comparison of Israel with Beijing and Moscow, emphasizing Israel’s role as an ally working towards stability in the Middle East.

Kelly warned that such statements could fuel extremism and lead to further acts of violence.

The Epoch Times reached out to Minister Wong’s office for additional comments.

International Law Not Always Morally Correct

Rabbi Shimon Cowen, an academic and director of the Institute for Judaism and Civilisation, critiqued Wong’s comments and recent U.N. resolutions against Israel.

Rabbi Cowen raised questions about the interpretation and application of international law, emphasizing the need to uphold universal moral principles.

He called for attention to be directed towards Hamas, the terror group responsible for instigating conflicts with Israel through violent means.

Rabbi Cowen highlighted the complexities of the situation in the Middle East, refuting claims of Israel violating human rights and shedding light on Hamas’s use of civilians as shields.