A man waves a Palestinian flag as protesters confront police outside the Land Forces 2024 arms fair in Melbourne on September 11, 2024. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
UPDATE: Antisemitic incidents have surged dramatically in both Manchester and Melbourne, alarming Jewish communities as fears of violence escalate. Since the October 7 Hamas massacre that claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives and saw 250 people kidnapped, reports indicate a disturbing rise in antisemitism reminiscent of the pre-World War II era.
Both cities are witnessing a chilling atmosphere, as synagogues are defaced and Jewish individuals face harassment. In Manchester, a synagogue in Golders Green was vandalized with swastikas, and a Hasidic girl was targeted with a glass bottle. In Melbourne, a Jewish man was prohibited from boarding a tram because “Jews aren’t allowed.” This wave of hatred is not just local, but reflects a growing global trend, as political leaders appear paralyzed in their responses.
On university campuses, Jewish students endure intensified radical activism. Pro-Palestinian protests have transformed into hostile environments where chants such as “From the river to the sea” and “Death to the IDF” are tolerated as free speech. This is alarming, given that the term “Intifada” historically denotes violent uprising, marked by years of deadly attacks in Israel.
Political leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Australia’s Anthony Albanese, are criticized for their inadequate responses. They face accusations of prioritizing political survival over confronting rising antisemitism directly. Just two days after the Hamas attacks, a pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney devolved into chants of “Gas the Jews,” highlighting the urgent need for action.
The Jewish community’s fears were tragically confirmed on Yom Kippur, when a man drove into congregants at a synagogue in Heaton Park and attacked worshippers with a knife, resulting in three deaths and four injuries. The assailant, Jihad Al-Shamie, identified as a British citizen of Syrian descent, was reportedly out on bail at the time. This incident underscores a disturbing pattern of violence against Jews that cannot be ignored.
In response to the escalating threats, Jewish leaders warn that antisemitism will not remain merely rhetorical. Both Manchester and Melbourne are grappling with a culture that glorifies violence against Jews, and where authorities fail to protect minority groups effectively. As protests are labeled “peaceful,” the reality is that incitement to violence is prevalent, and inaction from leaders amounts to complicity.
Community leaders express frustration over political rhetoric that lacks substance. Starmer and Albanese have made statements recognizing Jewish fears, yet many argue that words without action are meaningless. The stark reality facing Jewish Australians and Britons today contradicts the leaders’ assurances of refuge and safety.
With antisemitism on the rise, the question now is not if further violence will occur, but when. The silence from authorities in the face of these threats is alarming. Holocaust survivors, now in their final years, reflect on how today’s environment mirrors their childhood experiences in 1930s Europe.
As situations escalate, the urgent need for political leaders to take a stand against antisemitism is clearer than ever. The consequences of inaction could be dire, repeating history’s darkest chapters.
The message is clear: vigilance and courage are required to confront hatred and ensure safety for all communities. As both Manchester and Melbourne grapple with this growing crisis, the world watches closely, waiting for leaders to act decisively against the tide of hatred.
