Australia is currently undergoing a resurgence of antisemitic activity, according to new data.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) in its annual Antisemitic incidents report has shown that the young Australians are at the forefront of the rise. However, the line between antisemitism and anti-zionism is not always clear.
Research Director for the ECAJ, Julie Nathan said the 18-35 cohort has recorded lower warmth, comfort, and trust. In addition, the study found that there were higher associations of the Jewish community with cruelty, colonialism, and being “unaligned with my values.”
When asked about five multicultural communities, 18–35s rated the Jewish community least favourably overall,” Ms Nathan said
New South Wales, Queensland and the Federal Government have been quick to legislate against antisemitism.
However, some scholars have voiced skepticism around the validity of the reports and the potential danger of how these laws can do more harm than good.
University of Wollongong academic Dr Marcelo Svirsky, an expert in antisemitism, said he believed that what was counted as an ‘antisemitic incident’ was too broad.
“For instance if you look back a few months ago you will see that the New South Wales Police, they actually reconsidered the numbers they gave about a year ago of incidents of antisemitism (as wron). because the acts had been wrongly categorised,” Dr Svirsky said.
“In Australia you see more and more students, groups of students aligning with the pro-Palestine camp.”
“You may consider that as an increase in anti-Zionist attitudes, but again you should not conflate between the two (issues).”
Dr Svirsky said it was having a detrimental effect on how antisemitism is recognised and dealt with.
“The Federal Parliament and the State Parliament legislate in ways that make almost any expression of support for the Palestinian struggle as an act of antisemitism,” Dr Svirsky said.
“They are deepening the conflation between a pro-Palestine teaching, the pro-Palestine expression and supporting antisemitism…this creates a sort of ambiguity in regards to what antisemitism is.”
Dr Svirsky added that the brunt of the antisemitic activities have occurred in the states with the largest urban centres – Victoria and New South Wales.
“I believe that this is connected to big cities where generally there is more political activity. So obviously things will be major around Sydney and Melbourne,” Dr Svirsky said.
Dr Svirsky said it was important to keep focused on the issues.
“I hope your readers will take these comments seriously because it is serious a issue, it has impacts on our rights and freedoms as citizens of this country,” he said.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, I am not a prophet. But there are a number of factors that always come into the equation.”
The ECAJ’s upcoming 2026 report is expected early next year.
