Antisemitism in Australia
Australia is a multicultural society which on the whole is a good and safe place for Jewish people. Indeed, Australian Jewry has enjoyed much success with many community members achieving prominence in the judiciary, government and public service. The vibrant Jewish community has been instrumental in the composition of Australia’s social and cultural dynamic since the first days of European settlement (see History of Antisemitism). Notwithstanding the high degree and success of integration achieved by the Jewish community, manifestations of antisemitism continue to exist in Australia. An unacceptably high number of Australian Jews have experienced discrimination, harassment, and racial and religious defamation.
Whilst there have been significant instances of antisemitism throughout its history, Jew hatred is certainly not part of the Australian culture or its identity, and opposition to it remains strong at both a governmental and judicial level. Indeed, the Commonwealth government has indicated its commitment to and support for the Jewish community, as well as its recognition of the reality of antisemitism in Australia, by passing Resolutions against Antisemitism in both the House of Representatives, the Senate and the State parliaments of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
In trying to understand the extent of antisemitism in Australia it is important to take into consideration the various manifestations or forms of antisemitism. |
Antisemitism 