In Sydney, yet another anti-Semitic incident has emerged, alarming both the Jewish community and citizens. Graffiti with swastikas was found on a synagogue. This surge of hate is becoming a grim reality among Australians. How can the government address this rising tide of anti-Semitism effectively?

Escalating Anti-Semitism in Australia

The recent incident of vandalism at a Southern Sydney synagogue is not an isolated case but part of an alarming trend in Australia. Constant reports of anti-Semitic graffiti and verbal attacks are on the rise, causing distress within the Jewish community. This continuous wave of hate is a wake-up call for society, underscoring the need for urgent collective action to combat anti-Semitism.

Government's Role and Reaction

Senator Dave Sharma has called attention to the insufficient government response to the escalating anti-Semitic incidents. He criticized the delay in establishing a task force and highlighted its inability to curb the increasing hate crimes. The government’s hesitance to address the situation directly has allowed dangerous sentiments to gain a foothold in Australia.

Diplomatic Responsibilities and National Pride

The controversy surrounding High Commissioner Steven Smith's initial rejection of an Australia Day event raises questions about diplomatic commitment. His backtrack marks a recognition of the importance of his role as a representative of Australia. A diplomatic representative should embody national pride and convey a positive image, making it critical for public officials to embrace their roles wholeheartedly.

Sydney has recently witnessed a shocking surge in anti-Semitic incidents, raising concerns among the Jewish community and the broader Australian society. A Southern Sydney synagogue has been vandalized with swastikas and offensive anti-Semitic phrases, marking yet another episode in a distressing trend that seems to grow more frequent by the day. Liberal Senator Dave Sharma has expressed his outrage over this incident, stating that the frequency of these attacks is disheartening and indicative of a larger problem that needs urgent attention. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has reported 102 active investigations into similar incidents, highlighting the alarming normalization of anti-Semitic behavior in the country. In discussing the government's role in this rising hatred, Senator Sharma emphasized the need for more decisive action. He pointed out that the existing task force aimed at addressing anti-Semitism was established only a month ago, yet it already has substantial cases to address. He criticized the government for not addressing the situation earlier and for allowing anti-Semitism to gain a foothold, particularly after the tragic events surrounding the October terrorist attacks. The conflation of criticism of Israel with anti-Jewish sentiment has further exacerbated the issue, and this issue has not been addressed proactively enough by the government. Moreover, Prime Minister's response to the latest incident is under scrutiny. While he expresses the right sentiments, critics argue that such reactions are inadequate and come too late, especially after a significant period of silence following the October 7 events. This gap has allowed for anti-Semitic attitudes to proliferate. Sharma pointed out that many Labor cabinet ministers have historically criticized Israel, which has inadvertently contributed to animosity towards Jewish communities in Australia. This language and its implications demonstrate a lack of sensitivity towards how public discourse can impact communal relations. In another unnerving development, Australia's High Commissioner to the UK, Steven Smith, faced backlash for initially opting out of attending a celebration dinner for Australia Day. This decision seemed out of touch with the duty of an Australian representative. Although he has since decided to attend the event, questions remain about his commitment to representing Australia positively abroad. Critics see this as a reflection of a broader disconnection among some of Australia's diplomats with the national ethos. They argue that a true brand ambassador should celebrate and promote Australia's values. If someone in a significant diplomatic role feels ashamed to represent the country, steps need to be taken to address such beliefs at the core of Australia's identity.