Prime Minister Denounces Growth of Antisemitism on Oct. 7 Anniversary, Offering Support to Jewish Australians Feeling ‘Cold Shadows’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed worry about the increase in antisemitism in Australia, especially following the Hamas attack on Israel.

On the anniversary of the Oct. 7 assault, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israeli civilians, Albanese reiterated the government’s commitment to denouncing all forms of hatred and discrimination.

“Jewish Australians have experienced the chilling effects of antisemitism in the present time, and as a nation, we say never again. Discrimination against people of any faith has no place in Australia,” Albanese stated.

He also condemned the violent actions of Hamas, acknowledging the upheaval the conflict has brought to the Australian community.

“We strongly condemn all forms of prejudice and hatred,” he stated.

This declaration comes as Jewish student and staff unions are calling for a legal inquiry into the increasing antisemitism on Australian university campuses post the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. Student unions have cautioned that antisemitism is becoming embedded due to universities’ failure to address the issue.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton also used social media to show solidarity with Israel.

“The Coalition stands with our ally Israel—rather than treating her like an adversary,” Dutton said.

He also reassured Jewish Australians of their significance to the nation.

“You are cherished Australian citizens. That same spirit will see the Jewish people today—in Israel, in Australia, and around the world—prevail over present ordeals,” he stated.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott also spoke on the anniversary of the Hamas attack, opposing calls for a ceasefire. He characterized the conflict as a moral battle between “good and evil” and criticized Australian leaders for what he viewed as double standards regarding Israel.

Abbott also criticized the ongoing international demands for a ceasefire and de-escalation in the region, arguing that such concessions would only benefit terrorist groups like Hamas.

“Since Oct. 7, while Western leaders have acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense, they’ve often discouraged exercising it. There have been continual calls for ‘ceasefires’ and for ‘de-escalation,’” he stated.

Thousands March, Protesting Gaza

A few thousand pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets on Oct. 6 against Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Gaza and Lebanon.

According to sources from the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, Israel’s campaign against the terrorist group Hamas has reportedly led to almost 42,000 casualties, displacing 1.9 million people and leaving an additional 500,000 facing severe food shortages.

While the protest remained largely peaceful, police reported one arrest in Sydney and four in Victoria for attempting to disrupt the peace. The detainees were later released.

Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna of the Central Metropolitan Region commented that overall, the police were content with the behavior of the estimated crowd of 10,000.

“The NSW Police worked in close cooperation with our partner agencies and protest organizers to carry out a significant and effective police operation across the Sydney CBD, which yielded positive results,” Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said.

Some attendees made paper kites with the names of Palestinian children killed in the past year written on them.