A rise in antisemitism across Australia has drawn disturbing parallels to Nazi Germany, according to the president of the Australian Holocaust survivors association. George Foster, president of the Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Descendants, addressed the antisemitism royal commission in Melbourne this week. He emphasized that while Australia is not becoming another 1930s Germany, the social atmosphere is alarmingly similar in key ways.
Disturbing Parallels to Nazi Germany
Foster highlighted several worrying trends, including the exclusion of Jews from parts of public life, normalization of antisemitic language, and dehumanizing descriptions. He noted a resurgence of conspiracy theories and antisemitic tropes, as well as attacks on Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses. Many Jewish Australians now fear displaying their identity publicly, a situation Foster never expected to see in this country.
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| Aspect | 1930s Germany | Modern Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusion from public life | Systematic legal exclusion | Social exclusion in certain spaces |
| Normalization of hate speech | Widespread propaganda | Chants and vilification at protests |
| Attacks on Jewish institutions | Synagogues targeted | Attacks on schools and synagogues |
| Fear of identity visibility | Jews hid identity | Growing fear among community |
Royal Commission Hearings
The fifth block of hearings, held in Melbourne, focuses on security arrangements for the Jewish community. Community leaders from synagogues and Jewish schools described a surge in antisemitic incidents since October 2023. Some Jewish Australians have even left to live in Israel due to rising threats.
Key Takeaways from the Testimony
- Antisemitic incidents have increased sharply since the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
- Protests have included explicit hate speech such as “Where’s the Jews?” and “Fuck the Jews.”
- Jewish schools and synagogues now require heightened security measures.
- The royal commission aims to improve safety and address community fears.
FAQ
Is Australia becoming another Nazi Germany?
No, according to George Foster. Australia’s democratic institutions and legal system remain strong. However, the social atmosphere shows disturbing parallels, including exclusion and normalization of hate speech.
What triggered the recent rise in antisemitism in Australia?
The Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and subsequent protests have led to a surge in antisemitic incidents, including verbal harassment and attacks on Jewish institutions.
What is the royal commission investigating?
The antisemitism royal commission is examining security arrangements for the Jewish community in Australia, focusing on prevention of hate crimes and ensuring community safety.
Foster, born in Hungary and arriving in Australia in 1947, expressed shock at the protest outside the Sydney Opera House just days after the October 2023 attacks. He described hearing chants that vilified Jews in ways he never imagined possible in Australia. The royal commission continues to gather evidence to address the rising threat and protect the Jewish community.
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