Published: 23 January 2025
Last updated: 24 January 2025
The antisemitic attack on a childcare centre in Maroubra on Monday night shocked Australians, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call a national cabinet to discuss antisemitism.
Police and politicians who have previously declined to discuss investigations felt compelled to speak out, arrests were made and a new tracking system established.
In a week in which antisemitism has been constantly on the front pages, here are the key events in an ongoing battle.
New National Database to track antisemitic crime
After the National Cabinet held on Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a National Database to track antisemitic crime. The initiative will co-ordinate data from state and federal police forces and governments.
Antisemitism is currently investigated through several jurisdiction-specific taskforces and operations: Australian Federal Police's antisemitism taskforce Operation Avalite; NSW's Strike Force Pearl, which investigates hate crime with a focus on antisemitism; NSW Police's Operation Shelter, which provides Jewish community security; Victoria's Operation Park, which co-ordinates the investigation of offences associated with the Middle East conflict.
Federal police investigating overseas involvement
Australian authorities are investigating whether “criminals for hire” have committed a series of antisemitic attacks, allegedly paid in cryptocurrency by overseas groups to firebomb buildings and spread fear among Jewish Australians. Evidence suggests that organised crime may be involved.
Comments4
Karla Tisch28 January at 07:48 am
The very fact that the Australian media quote this “council” as experts on antisemitism is disgusting and an absolute mockery of the ultimate Jewish value of standing up for other Jews who are suffering. Instead of working to support Jewish safety and security, all they care about is that other radical lefty types like them and give them social approval. The Australian media should be called out for platforming these fringe voices who have been shown to despise Jews and Judaism.
David Steinberg25 January at 01:00 am
Jewish Council of Australia modus operandi: be startlingly racist, then claim anyone who pushes back against their behaviour is ‘right wing.’ Sarah Schwartz, you have only contributed in making Australia less safe for Jews of all political persuasions. Horseshoe theory alive and well.
Sarah Shmortz24 January at 07:54 am
Sarah Schwartz should be banned from ever giving a comment on matters relating to the Jewish community. She is a disgrace.
Not my jca23 January at 08:56 am
The so called Jewish Council of Australia does not represent our community!!