UPDATE: Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered a powerful address at Mount Sinai College in Sydney on Tuesday night, highlighting the alarming rise in antisemitism in Australia. Speaking to a packed audience, Frydenberg expressed the deep concerns of the Jewish community, stating, “We Jews have never seen in this country a conflict between our faith and our citizenship. Yet, over the last two years, we have been made to feel that there was a conflict.”
In his remarks, Frydenberg referenced the surge of antisemitic incidents since October 7, a date that marks a significant escalation in tensions in the Middle East. He described disturbing events, including attacks outside places of worship, specifically mentioning the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. “We have been targeted outside our places of worship,” he stated, emphasizing the community’s growing fears.
Frydenberg recounted how the Jewish community has faced harassment in various aspects of life, detailing a shocking incident where 600 Jewish creatives were doxxed. He also condemned protests that have occurred in Caulfield, a suburb with a significant Jewish population, highlighting that “our campuses, which should be houses of learning, have become hotbeds of hate.”
The gravity of his message underscored a pressing leadership failure in Australia. “How did it get to this? For me, the answer is very clear,” Frydenberg asserted. “Our leaders, political and civil, have failed us. Our leaders have wanted the job, but have not been prepared to do the job.”
Frydenberg’s address is a clarion call for action. He urged Australians to unite against hate, stating, “We are not just in a fight against antisemitism, we are in a fight for Australia.” He emphasized that the struggle transcends political affiliations, calling for a broad-based coalition to defend what he described as core Australian values.
“This is not about Liberal values or Labor values; these are Australian values that we are defending,” he said. Frydenberg’s remarks resonate deeply amid a growing national discourse on hate and division, making it clear that immediate action is vital to safeguard the community.
As the situation evolves, Frydenberg’s call to action raises critical questions about leadership accountability and the responsibility of all Australians to combat rising hatred. The urgency of this message has sparked discussions across social media, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to address and overcome these challenges.
Stay tuned for further developments as Australia grapples with these critical issues affecting its communities.
