About a decade ago, I moved to Australia as a representative of KKL-JNF. When I asked members of the Jewish community what life was like there, the answer was unanimous and unequivocal: “Paradise.” A safe, liberal, inclusive country where Jews lived openly, contributed to society, and expressed their identity without fear.
During my seven years in Australia, that description rang true. I worked professionally and openly with Jewish organizations, politicians, and local leaders, proudly expressing my Jewish and Israeli identity without encountering a single threat.
That reality has now changed beyond recognition.
The horrific massacre in Sydney – a murderous terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community during one of the happiest and most sacred holidays on the Jewish calendar – was a terrifying breaking point. But it did not emerge in a vacuum.
Since October 7, 2023, the Jewish community in Australia has been living a sustained nightmare. This brutal attack is the direct product of the growing wave of antisemitism and anti-Zionism sweeping Australia and the world – a wave manifested in hate crimes and violence against Jews and Israelis, a trend that has only intensified even after the ceasefire that ended the Swords of Iron war.
The shock from this latest attack has reverberated not only through the Jewish community but across Australian society at large. For years, there was a comforting illusion that Australia was immune to antisemitism. Even now, it remains difficult for the general public – and especially for government leaders – to internalize that this reality has fundamentally changed. In recent months, despite the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents and violence against Jews, the Jewish community has repeatedly been reassured by authorities: “Everything will be fine. You are safe and protected.” And yet, here we are – facing a terror attack of a kind Australia has never seen before, carried out brazenly and without fear.
Lately, many people ask me, "What changed?" How did we get here?
How we got here: What changed with antisemitism in Australia?
For decades, Israel enjoyed broad bipartisan support from Australian governments, support that also extended a protective umbrella over the Jewish community. But in recent elections, a shift occurred. The current government adopted a seemingly “balanced” approach – placing Israel and the Palestinians on the same moral plane and drawing an artificial distinction between Judaism and Zionism. This is not an anti-Jewish government. But the rhetorical and policy shift created a dangerous vacuum – one quickly filled by extremist voices who suddenly felt legitimized to act openly.
Antisemitism in Australia – and globally – is now at levels not seen since before the Holocaust. The Australian government must recognize this reality and respond decisively. If it does not, we will, tragically, face more attacks like the one in Sydney.
Australian leaders must move from words to action. They must fight antisemitism proactively – not merely attempt, and fail, to reactively protect Jewish communities after the damage is done. This fight must take every form necessary: education, legislation, enforcement, public diplomacy, and clear moral leadership. This is the moment for real, courageous action. Without it, Jews will no longer be able to live in safety – not in Australia, and not anywhere that continues to deny the gravity of this threat.
The writer is the Australia adviser for Combat Antisemitism Movement