ANTISEMITISM RISING – THE SOCIO-POLITICAL CONTEXT
The following submission was sent to the Royal Commission in accordance with its requirements. This submission is a response to the following items in the Commission’s Terms of Reference:
Section c
examine the circumstances surrounding the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack on 14 December 2025, including:
- lead up to and planning of the attack;
Section d
make any other recommendations arising out of your inquiry into the matters set out in paragraphs (a) to (c) that would contribute to strengthening social cohesion in Australia and countering the spread of ideologically and religiously motivated extremism in Australia
Section e
any matter reasonably incidental to a matter referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) or that you believe is reasonably relevant to your inquiry.
AND We direct you to make any recommendations arising out of your inquiry that you consider appropriate, including recommendations about any policy, legislative, administrative or structural reforms.
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It is submitted that the current government has conspicuously demonised Israel since October 7, 2023, which provided the political permission for a national attitudinal environment that tolerated (if not encouraged) antisemitism almost as official policy. This submission suggests that it was in that context that historical antisemitic elements – from those openly hostile to those easily led – were increasingly emboldened, feeling encouraged. The Government effectively (perhaps unintentionally) provided the ‘security blanket’ for antisemitism. It would be disingenuous to deny this as a factor.
How: It began with the metaphorical shrug of the shoulders response to the infamous hate-filled demonstration on the Opera House steps the day after the Hamas massacre in Israel. There followed policy reversals, UN voting patterns, sanctions, and public criticisms of Israel’s actions.
The list below focuses on such instances, drawn from official statements, government actions, and reliable reports. Context and sources are stated where relevant. Events are roughly chronological, starting from the government’s early days.
- October 18, 2022: Reversal of Recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the reversal of the previous Coalition government’s 2018 decision to recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, stating Australia would no longer move its embassy from Tel Aviv. This was seen as a “rebalancing” towards Palestinian claims and drew criticism from Israel and Australian Jewish groups as a betrayal.
- November 2022: Statement on “Rebalancing” Approach to Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Wong publicly described the government’s policy as a “rebalancing” to emphasize Palestinian rights more explicitly, including stronger objections to Israeli settlements. This was part of broader shifts criticized as distancing Australia from Israel.
- Late 2022–Early 2023: Support for UN Resolution Criticizing Israeli Settlements Australia voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Israeli settlement policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, marking a departure from previous abstentions or opposition under the Coalition government.
- Late 2022–Early 2023: Doubling Aid to UNRWA The government announced it would double annual funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from $10 million to $20 million, supporting Palestinian refugees. This was praised by Palestinian advocates but criticized by some as indirectly aiding groups hostile to Israel (especially amid later UNRWA controversies). Back in October 2017, writing in The Spectator Australia, Urban complained that Australia, then even as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, was providing aid of $43.8 million to the Palestinian Territories, which in turn paid terrorists. In 2017, half of the US$693 million that the PA receives as foreign aid, US$345 million, was paid out as stipends to convicted terrorists and their families. The Foundation for the Care of the Families of Martyrs is dedicated to assisting an Arab who has been “wounded, killed, or otherwise affected as a result of their joining the revolution or the presence of the revolution,” against Israel and operates within the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Social Affairs. In 2016 it supported 35,100 families. David Adler of the Australian Jewish Association soon added his voice calling for this aid to be reconsidered; it was halved under the Coalition government; Labor’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong reinstated it.
- August 2023: Resumption of Term “Occupied Palestinian Territories” The government officially reinstated the use of “Occupied Palestinian Territories” to describe the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, reversing the previous government’s neutral phrasing. Albanese’s administration also vowed to strengthen objections to “illegal” Israeli settlements and accused Israel of “systemic repression” of Palestinians.
- October 2023: Call for “Proportionality” in Israel’s Response to Hamas Attacks Immediately following the October 7 Hamas attacks, Albanese condemned the terrorism but emphasized that Israel’s response must be “proportional” and respect international law, including protecting civilians in Gaza. This was interpreted as prematurely constraining Israel’s self-defence.
- October 26, 2023: Additional Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Days after the massacre of October 7, DFAT announced $15 million in additional aid for civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and the region, focusing on food, water, and medicine amid Israel’s military operations. While humanitarian, it was seen as prioritizing Palestinian needs over Israel’s security concerns.
- February 2024: Abstention on UN Vote Condemning Israel’s Response to October 7 Australia abstained (rather than voting “no”) on a UN resolution criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the October 7 attacks, signalling a tougher stance on Israel compared to allies like the US.
- March 15, 2024: Resumption of UNRWA Funding After a brief pause in January 2024 due to allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7 attacks, the government resumed and increased funding to UNRWA by another $6 million. This decision faced backlash from pro-Israel groups amid ongoing investigations.
- November 2024: Support for UN Resolutions on Palestinian Sovereignty Australia voted in favour of two UN draft resolutions: one affirming Palestinian sovereignty over natural resources (land, water, electricity) in occupied territories, and another demanding an end to Israel’s occupation within 12 months. This hardened stance was criticized as anti-Israel by Jewish leaders and the opposition.
- December 3, 2024: Backing UN Resolution to End Israel’s Occupation Australia split from the US to support a UN General Assembly resolution calling for Israel to end its “unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territories within six months, based on an ICJ advisory opinion. This was seen as a significant shift.
- June 10–11, 2025: Sanctions on Israeli Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich Joined by allies (Canada, NZ, Norway, UK), Australia imposed financial and travel sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians and supporting settlements. Israel condemned this as “outrageous,” and it strained relations. Albanese defended it as targeting “extremists.”
- July 19, 2025: Criticism of Israel’s Actions in Gaza as “Indefensible” Albanese stated that Israel’s actions in Gaza were “not self-defence and are indefensible,” amid escalating conflict. This was part of broader calls for Israel to end “appalling” situations in Gaza.
- July 25, 2025: Magnitsky-Style Sanctions on Israeli Settlers Imposed targeted sanctions on seven Israeli individuals and one entity involved in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, citing human rights abuses. This expanded on earlier measures and was criticized as interfering in Israel’s internal affairs.
- July 26–27, 2025: Accusation of Israel Breaching International Law Albanese said Israel was “quite clearly” breaching international law by withholding aid from Gaza civilians, adding he would raise it directly with Netanyahu if needed. This followed reports of aid denials and civilian deaths. Israel denied the accusations.
- August 12, 2025: Statement on Netanyahu Being “In Denial” Over Gaza Suffering Albanese accused Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu of being “in denial” about the suffering inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza, amid calls for a ceasefire. This personal critique was seen as escalating Australia’s criticism.
- September 21–22, 2025: Formal Recognition of the State of Palestine PM Albanese issued a statement recognizing the State of Palestine, aligning with a UN General Assembly vote in September. He emphasized Australia’s historical role in Israel’s creation but pushed for Palestinian statehood as part of a two-state solution. This was hailed by Hamas and Palestinians in general but condemned by Israel as premature and rewarding terrorism.
Adding sting to this anti-Israel stance by the government are official acts that singled out Israelis wishing to visit Australia.
Since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict following the October 7, 2023 attacks, Australia has refused or cancelled visas for several high-profile Israelis, primarily due to concerns over inflammatory rhetoric, perceived potential risks to social cohesion, or allegations related to the conflict. These decisions have often been made under Section 501 of the Migration Act, which allows refusal based on character grounds or risks to the “health, safety, or good order” of the Australian community. They were widely reported.
Notable cases of visa rejection based on available reports include:
Simcha Rothman: An Israeli Knesset member from the Religious Zionism party. His visa was cancelled in August 2025 ahead of a planned speaking tour in Sydney and Melbourne. Rothman has made controversial statements, including describing Palestinian children in Gaza as “enemies”* and advocating for Israel’s control of the West Bank. This led to a diplomatic spat, with Israel revoking visas for Australian diplomats in response
Hillel Fuld: A pro-Israel activist, influencer, and dual U.S.-Israeli citizen. His visa was revoked in June 2025, just before a planned visit to raise funds for Magen David Adom. The Department of Home Affairs cited his social media posts containing alleged “Islamophobic rhetoric” and risks to the Australian community, particularly the Islamic population.
Sammy Yahood (also referred to as a British-Israeli activist and critic of Islam): Visa cancelled in January 2026, just hours before his flight from Israel. He was accused of spreading hatred through anti-Islam statements on social media, such as calling Islam a “disgusting ideology.” This was part of a broader scrutiny of foreign speakers associated with Israel advocacy.
Zvi Yehezkeli: An Israeli journalist and Arab affairs analyst for i24NEWS. In February 2026, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke considered denying his visa due to comments encouraging higher Palestinian casualties in Gaza and praising strikes on journalists. Yehezkeli was scheduled for fundraisers in Sydney and Melbourne.
Ayelet Shaked: Former Israeli cabinet minister. Visa denied in 2024 on grounds that she would undermine social cohesion due to divisive statements about the Gaza war. This sparked a diplomatic dispute with Israel.
Doron Almog: Former Israeli major-general awarded the Israel Prize in 2016. In March 2024, human rights groups requested the cancellation of his visa or referral for investigation under Australian law. In 2009, Almog was among the Israeli officials investigated by the National Court, a special and exceptional court in Spain, over the 2002 assassination of Hamas official Salah Shehade. The investigation was dropped on grounds that the attack had already been investigated by Israel.
Additionally, there have been reports of broader delays and refusals for Israelis, including two cases in December 2024 where visas were denied due to service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Overall, while specific high-profile refusals number in the single digits, there are indications of increased scrutiny, with wait times for Israeli visas rising from days to over a month in some cases.
In contrast, thousands of visas have been granted to Palestinians (framed by some as “anti-Israeli”), though with a much higher rejection rate and amid debates over security vetting.
Some 2,922 Palestinian visitor visas were approved by August 12, 2024, with an estimated 1,300 arrivals in Australia. This rose to 3,449 by the end of 2024. and 3,808 by January 31, 2025.
* Child combatants like those shown in one of the Syrian camps attacking a US news reporter can be extraordinarily dangerous due to their indoctrinated zeal, moral leverage in battle, and potential for long-term radicalization. Children are highly impressionable, making them ideal for deep ideological programming. In ISIS-controlled territories, fighters were encouraged to train their offspring as “lion cubs” (ashbal), with indoctrination starting as young as age six and military training by nine. This created fiercely loyal recruits who viewed violence as a religious duty. For children of ISIS brides—many now detained in camps like Al-Hol in Syria—these early exposures persist, with hard-line women continuing daily indoctrination programs. Reports indicate that some of these “cubs” are smuggled out for further training in desert areas, potentially turning them into future insurgents. Their unyielding fanaticism, untempered by adult scepticism, can lead to acts of extreme brutality, such as beheadings or suicide bombings, without hesitation.
SOCIAL COHESION OR CULTURAL COHESION?
The Commission is asked to examine social cohesion in the context of antisemitism.
In the Australian context, social cohesion and cultural cohesion are related but distinct concepts, especially given Australia’s history as a multicultural settler society with a strong policy focus on managing diversity.
The difference between social and cultural cohesion is best demonstrated by the difference between the social cohesion of the post war Australian migration years, say, and the cultural divide so vividly and violently demonstrated in the aftermath of October 7. Antisemitic violence is the manifestation of a deep cultural chasm between the Judeo-Christian character of Australia pre-October 7 and the sentiments (such as ‘from the river to the sea’) expressed by the pro-Palestinian protesters since, who are characterised by the stated desire to physically destroy Israel, killing all Jews. This may be an uncomfortable notion for some, but it is hard – not to mention irresponsible – to deny.
In any case, denial will not erase the difference. Recognising it might help.
RECOMMENDATIONS PROPOSED IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS SUBMISSION:
We respectfully propose that the Royal Commission recommend THAT:
1 The PM and all Government Ministers avoid making public statements that can be (mis)interpreted as antisemitic; this includes framing criticisms of Israeli policies with care to avoid the appearance of antisemitism.
2 The PM and the Home Affairs Minister respond to antisemitic attacks urgently and strongly in support of law enforcement action as a confirmation of belief in the rule of law.