When a nation is in distress, leadership can be as simple as an embrace. Nearly three decades after the Port Arthur massacre, one of the most enduring images is of then-Prime Minister John Howard comforting Dr. Bryan Walpole, an emergency surgeon overwhelmed by the tragedy. This image of compassion and support has become a symbol of national unity in times of crisis.
Fast forward to the present, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, known for his open emotional expression, urged Australians to support the Jewish community following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach. However, there remains a palpable distance between Albanese and the victims’ families, exacerbated by his delayed response to antisemitism concerns.
Albanese’s Response Under Scrutiny
The father of Matilda, the youngest victim of the Bondi attack, expressed his anger towards Albanese, stating, “He failed Matilda.” This sentiment reflects a broader discontent within the Jewish community towards the Australian Labor Party’s handling of antisemitism.
Peter Wertheim, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, describes the situation as a “moral paralysis.” Despite his longstanding relationship with Albanese, Wertheim questions the Prime Minister’s commitment to eradicating antisemitism, noting a struggle that mirrors the nation’s grappling with the issue.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
Inside the Australian Labor Party, Jewish members express dismay not only at the Bondi tragedy but also at the party’s response to rising antisemitism since October 2023. Phil Dalidakis, a former minister, criticizes the lack of action against hate speech normalization, while Michael Danby, a former federal MP, highlights the vulnerability felt by the Jewish community.
In Melbourne, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s attempt to show solidarity at a community gathering was met with boos, underscoring a tribal rejection of Labor. Despite Allan’s efforts to strengthen anti-hate laws and ban protests outside places of worship, the Jewish community demands more decisive action.
Political Dynamics and Community Reactions
Australia’s Jewish community is politically diverse, with varying relationships with Labor governments. Ron Levy, a Jewish professor, notes that while the community has shifted rightward since the Gaza conflict, there remains support for Labor among progressive Jews. However, the party faces a challenge in balancing the interests of Jews and Muslims in a liberal democracy.
Philip Mendes, a Monash University researcher, observes growing intolerance towards Jews within progressive institutions. He contrasts NSW Premier Chris Minns’ trusted relationship with the Jewish community with Albanese’s perceived lack of empathy.
Young Labor and Internal Struggles
Within Young Labor, Jewish members face harassment and bigotry at local meetings. A recent resolution highlights the absence of solidarity and the growing tolerance for intolerance. Dean Sherr, a former adviser, points to a broader schism in progressive politics, where the Palestinian issue serves as a litmus test for political allegiance.
Efforts to Combat Antisemitism
Albanese has acknowledged the government’s shortcomings in addressing antisemitism. He has adopted recommendations from special envoy Jillian Segal, including new laws targeting hate speech and a taskforce led by David Gonski to address antisemitism in universities.
Meanwhile, Jewish businesses targeted by bigotry have closed their doors. Celebrity chef Ed Halmagyi’s bakery was vandalized with symbols associated with Hamas, leading to its closure. The Goldstone Gallery, a haven for ostracized Jewish artists, also shut down due to safety concerns.
Community Calls for Action
Rabbi Ben Elton, speaking at St. Mary’s Cathedral, called for an end to evasion and distraction in addressing antisemitism. “Hateful rhetoric has to stop,” he urged, emphasizing the need for decisive action to confront extremism.
As Australia grapples with the aftermath of the Bondi tragedy, the Jewish community continues to demand accountability and action from its leaders. The road to restoring trust will require more than words; it demands a commitment to confronting the underlying causes of hatred and division.
