Holocaust Survivors President Warns of Disturbing Parallels in Au 2026

The president of the Australian Holocaust survivors association has warned of disturbing parallels between rising antisemitism in Australia and the social climate of Nazi Germany. George Foster, president of the Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Descendants, testified before the antisemitism royal commission on Tuesday, highlighting a troubling trend in public life.

Key Testimony on Antisemitism in Australia

Foster, who came to Australia in 1947 after being born in Hungary to Holocaust survivors, expressed shock at the exclusion of Jews from parts of public life and the normalisation of antisemitic language. He cited attacks on Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses, as well as fear about displaying Jewish identity publicly. The royal commission's fifth block of hearings in Melbourne is examining security arrangements for the Jewish community.

Disturbing Parallels to Nazi Germany

While Foster stated he does not believe Australia is “becoming another Germany in the 1930s,” he noted disturbing similarities in the social atmosphere. These include dehumanising descriptions of Jews, conspiracy theories, and the resurgence of antisemitic tropes. The testimony comes amid a rise in antisemitic incidents since October 2023, leading some Jewish Australians to relocate to Israel.

Community Impact and Response

Foster, also president of the Southern Sydney Synagogue, described a protest on the steps of the Sydney Opera House two days after Hamas's attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. He said he never thought he would see such vilification in Australia. New South Wales police confirmed that an independent expert concluded the chants were used, shocking the Jewish community.

Key Takeaways from the Royal Commission

• Rising antisemitism since October 2023 has led to increased security concerns for Jewish institutions.
• Community leaders report a normalisation of antisemitic language in public discourse.
• Some Jewish Australians have chosen to leave the country for Israel due to safety fears.
• The royal commission is examining security arrangements for synagogues and Jewish schools.

Historical Context and Warnings

Foster's testimony draws on his personal history as a child of Holocaust survivors. He emphasised that Australia's democratic institutions and legal system are fundamentally different from Nazi Germany, but the social atmosphere is concerning. The commission continues to gather evidence on how to protect the Jewish community.

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