US Jewish Center Advises Against Travel to Australia Following Synagogue Firebombing Incident
Authorities in Australia are dealing with an increase in antisemitism.
Jews worldwide are advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling to Australia following the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, based in the U.S., issued a travel advisory due to the “failure of Australian authorities” to address antisemitism issues such as demonization, harassment, and violence against Jews and Jewish institutions.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper informed Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd about the decision in a letter.
“We do not believe that Jews are safe as authorities have not taken the necessary steps to protect Jewish communities from escalating threats and violence by Islamists and other extremists.”
Rabbi Cooper mentioned that since October 7 and in recent years, Jews globally have faced targeting by Islamists, pro-Hamas extremists, and certain individuals in the media and public life.
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He noted that sadly, this also included the vibrant Jewish communities in Australia, and he explained that the Melbourne attack occurred following Australia’s recent vote at the U.N. General Assembly on a resolution against Israel.
“This recent attack coincides with Australia’s support for a U.N. resolution urging Israel to return to its pre-1967 War borders,” Rabbi Cooper remarked.
Rabbi Cooper asserted, “By not combatting the vilification of Jews, Israel, and Zionism on Australian streets, authorities are allowing violence against Jews and Israelis to become normalized.”
Response from Opposition and Labor MP to Travel Warning
Meanwhile, in light of the travel warning issued by the U.S. Jewish organization, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton acknowledged the need for Australia to repair its relationship with the Jewish community.
“I have many Jewish friends in Melbourne who are considering leaving Australia because they do not feel safe here, they are concerned about the implications of a Labor-Greens government post-election, and they are alarmed by the current level of anti-semitism in the country.”
“On the other hand, Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns suggested that the terrorism declaration had impacted the center’s recommendation while expressing optimism for a potential resolution.
“We are facing the repercussions of antisemitism. This week has been historically grim, and the declaration of a terror incident, a probable terror incident, has significant consequences, which evidently influenced the advice from the Simon Wiesenthal Center,” he told ABC.
“I am hopeful that we can overcome this. There are solutions to all problems. All issues can be rectified. We have conquered antisemitism before, and Australia has been a supportive environment for the Jewish community, and I hope we can return to that soon.”
Promise from Prime Minister to Restore Synagogue
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Burns visited the synagogue on the afternoon of Dec. 10, pledging to “do everything possible to rebuild this synagogue.”
“This arson attack is an act of terrorism. We need to come together as a nation and unite,” Albanese stated.
The arson attack on the synagogue was transferred to the Victorian joint counter-terrorism team for investigation on Dec. 9.
Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press, “This is now a terrorism investigation.”
“I appreciate the significant information gathered by Victoria Police investigators so far, leading us to believe this is likely a politically motivated assault,” she added.
Meanwhile, the federal government launched a special operation to address antisemitism on Dec. 9.
“This is the third arson attack, following incidents at Josh Burns’ office and the Sydney Woollahra car.
“In response, the government has established AFP Special Operation Avalite, a team led by the Commonwealth that will collaborate with state and territory police forces. Antisemitism has no place in Australia. We stand with the Jewish community in Australia.”
