Australia’s Intelligence Chief Denounces Alleged News Corp Sting Aimed at Inciting Anti-Semitism as ‘Astoundingly Foolish’
Burgess downplayed the significance of the alleged attempt by News Corp staff to provoke anti-Semitic remarks at a Middle Eastern restaurant, stating it wasn’t a priority.
Australia’s top intelligence official criticized the incident at Cairo Takeaway in Newtown, Sydney, where News Corp journalists reportedly tried to provoke anti-Semitic reactions, calling it “mind-blowingly stupid” during a Senate estimates hearing on Feb. 25.
Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Mike Burgess was questioned by Greens Senator David Shoebridge about the confrontation involving the restaurant’s staff, News Corp journalists, and a man wearing a Star of David cap.
Burgess bluntly described the alleged attempt as a foolish act to create headlines, emphasizing that it should not occur if planned from the top of an organization.
Regarding the incident, Burgess mentioned that law enforcement could take action if necessary to address such matters. He shared his personal opinion that such actions should not happen.
While Shoebridge pressed Burgess on the seriousness of the incident, Burgess refrained from speculating without having all the details.
Although ASIO was aware of the incident, Burgess suggested that the situation did not warrant high priority in the intelligence landscape.
Shoebridge disagreed, arguing that when a major media outlet engages in actions that promote division, it should concern ASIO.
Confrontation at Cairo Takeaway
The Daily Telegraph has not published any articles about the altercation at Cairo Takeaway.
However, Editor Ben English clarified that the paper has been reporting on the rise of anti-Semitism in Sydney’s Jewish community without intending to incite an incident at the restaurant.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke condemned the incident, calling it irresponsible and against the national interest if the restaurant’s version was accurate.
Jewish Man’s Version of Events
On the other hand, the Jewish man involved in the altercation rejected the restaurant’s account as false and demanded the deletion of misleading claims from their social media pages.
He detailed his version of events, where tensions escalated after a brief conversation with the restaurant staff, leading to an aggressive confrontation.
