662 antisemitic incidents recorded in Australia in wake of Gaza war

Four physical assaults and at least 10 cases of verbal abuse were among a 738% increase in cases of antisemitism, prompting concern this week from politicians and Holocaust survivors.

Preliminary research from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) recorded 662 antisemitic incidents in October and November 2023, compared with just 79 incidents in the same period last year.

The figures represent a 738% increase and make it clear that the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza is having a measurable effect on the Australian Jewish community.

The provisional figures involve incidents reported to the ECAJ directly as well as through its affiliate organisations and the Community Security Group.

The statistics include verbal abuse and racial slurs, bomb threats, physical assault, calls to boycott Jewish businesses, and graffiti, such as that reading “Jew free zone” and “Jews not welcome”.