Security threats and lawfare alter Jewish life in Australia, AJA warns Royal Commission

Lead

The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) has submitted a 32-page document to Australia’s Royal Commission into Antisemitism, arguing that government rhetoric, Islamist extremism, and coordinated “lawfare” campaigns have fundamentally altered Jewish life in the country. The submission, shared with The Jerusalem Post, states that many Australian Jews are now considering making aliyah because they no longer feel confident in the country’s future.

The submission comes weeks after former AJA president Dr. David Adler announced he had moved to Israel, citing rising antisemitism and security fears as reasons. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Adler said the trends in Australia have “passed the point of no return.”

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post has reported on this story in two separate articles. The first, published in mid-July, focuses on Dr. Adler’s personal experience and his decision to relocate to Israel. The second, published later in the month, details the AJA’s formal submission to the Royal Commission.

Both reports draw on AJA’s submission and Adler’s comments, but they emphasize different aspects. The earlier article centers on Adler’s personal narrative and his assessment of Australia’s trajectory, while the later piece provides a broader overview of the submission’s claims, including specific examples of security measures and legal challenges.

The Post’s coverage characterizes the situation as a serious deterioration in the conditions for Jewish life in Australia, attributing the change to a combination of government actions, extremist violence, and what the AJA describes as “lawfare” campaigns.

Key Claims

Security Measures and Venue Cancellations

The AJA submission highlights an unprecedented increase in visible security at Jewish events. According to the group, security has become so common that many community members now feel uncomfortable attending events without visible security arrangements. The AJA says it has never received government funding for security expenses and incurs significant costs to keep members safe.

For security reasons, the locations of AJA events are not publicly advertised. Addresses are provided only to registered attendees after vetting, often shortly before the event. The AJA said these arrangements create significant logistical difficulties and are unlike those required for any other community in Australia. On several occasions, details of AJA events have been leaked, resulting in pressure on venues, with some cancellations attributed to political concerns and fears of public backlash.

Lawfare and Legal Targeting

The submission describes the use of “lawfare” as becoming commonplace since October 7, 2023. The AJA defines this as the strategic use of legal, regulatory, and administrative processes to intimidate opponents, disrupt organizations, impose costs, consume resources, or achieve political objectives.

As an example, the AJA notes that the Australian Jewish Association Tzedakah (AJAT), a charity focused on combating antisemitism, was targeted by a coordinated campaign seeking to have its Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status revoked. This status is essential for charities to receive tax-deductible donations.

Government Actions and Rhetoric

The AJA submission criticizes government rhetoric and policies, suggesting they have contributed to an environment where antisemitism can flourish. Dr. Adler specifically cited the Australian government’s decision to reverse the country’s recognition of parts of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, saying it left Australian Jews feeling increasingly isolated and unsupported.

Adler also mentioned the government’s alteration of longstanding bipartisan voting patterns at the United Nations and increased funding to UNRWA, actions that have drawn condemnation from former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Violence and Extremism

The submission attributes the rise in anti-Jewish violence primarily to Islamic extremism. Adler described incidents following October 7, 2023, including celebrations by some Muslim community leaders and groups, and riots in front of the Sydney Opera House on October 9. He said authorities failed to act, noting that no arrests were made despite laws being broken and that the area was covered by high-definition CCTV. Instead, he said, the Jewish community was warned not to go there.

Perspectives

Australian Jewish Association (AJA)

The AJA’s submission to the Royal Commission presents a community facing significant challenges: increased security needs, venue cancellations, and legal targeting. The group argues that these issues stem from government rhetoric, Islamist extremism, and “lawfare” campaigns, and that many Australian Jews are reconsidering their future in the country.

Dr. David Adler (former AJA President)

Adler, who recently relocated to Israel, offers a personal perspective on the deterioration. He describes a broader decline in Australian society, including economic, educational, and national identity issues, which he says predated October 7 but were exacerbated by it. He asserts that Australia has passed a point of no return regarding antisemitism, citing a lack of government action and threats against him personally.