Australia Names Special Envoy to Address Antisemitism Amid Rising Tensions

Tuesday 09 July 2024 - 16:00

In a decisive move to address rising antisemitism and preserve social cohesion, Australia has appointed Jillian Segal as its special envoy to combat antisemitism. This appointment comes against the backdrop of increasing community tensions fueled by the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the appointment, emphasizing that Segal, a distinguished lawyer and businesswoman, will work closely with community leaders and discrimination experts to advise the government. This initiative aligns Australia with countries like the United States, Canada, Greece, and the United Kingdom, which have long had similar positions.

Albanese also revealed plans to appoint a special envoy to address Islamophobia, reflecting the broader scope of the government’s commitment to tackling religious discrimination.

The Israel-Gaza conflict has become a highly charged political issue in Australia, sparking protests from both Jewish and Muslim communities and leading to a marked increase in both antisemitism and Islamophobia. The conflict's roots trace back to October 7, when an unprecedented attack by Hamas on southern Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. In retaliation, the Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza, which according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, has resulted in over 38,000 Palestinian deaths.

Prime Minister Albanese highlighted the importance of unity during these tumultuous times, stating, "Australians are deeply concerned about this conflict, and many are hurting. In times like this, Australians must come together, not be torn apart."

Segal’s appointment is seen as a pivotal step in mitigating community friction. With extensive experience leading key Jewish community organizations and holding significant roles in the education and banking sectors, Segal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. She underscored the urgency of combating antisemitism, noting a 700% increase in incidents since the conflict began in October.

"Jewish Australians want to feel free to live their day-to-day lives, and also want to feel safe to practice and express their religion without fear," Segal stated.

The national peak body for the Australian Jewish community, which Segal led until last year, has welcomed her appointment, expressing confidence in her ability to address the pressing issues with vigor and insight.

However, the reaction has not been universally positive. The Jewish Council of Australia, which has been critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, and the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN), have expressed concerns that the appointment could exacerbate divisions. APAN warned that conflating antisemitism with criticism of the Israeli state or support for Palestine is a potential risk.

The Australian government maintains its support for a two-state solution and has defended Israel's right to self-defense following the October 7 attacks. Nevertheless, it has also voiced increasing concerns over Israel's military actions in Gaza, especially after an Australian aid worker was killed in an Israeli air strike.

The internal dynamics of Australia's governing Labor Party have also been affected, with Senator Fatima Payman recently resigning from the party over its stance on the conflict. Payman cited feelings of being "exiled" after breaking party rules to support a motion advocating for the recognition of Palestinian statehood.

This new appointment marks a significant step in Australia's ongoing efforts to navigate the complex landscape of religious and political tensions, striving to foster unity and understanding in a time of global unrest.