New study finds 40 per cent spike in anti-Semitic behaviour across Queensland

An alarming new study has found that anti-Semitic behaviour in Queensland has recorded a huge spike since last year leaving many residents afraid to display their Jewish identity.

Pro-Israeli supporters at a gathering in King George Square earlier this year. Picture Lachie Millard

An alarming new study has found that anti-Semitic behaviour in Queensland has spiked by 40 per cent since last year.

According to the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, there have been more than 65 anti-

Semitic incidents reported in Queensland since October 1, 2023, compared with 47 in the same time period a year ago.

The incidents included cases of physical violence, verbal abuse, graffiti, social media abuse and the targeting of Jewish-owned businesses.

In March, a man was assaulted on Victoria Bridge by two men. The man, who does not want to be identified for fear of retribution, said he was called a “Jew c--t” for wearing a pro-Israel T-shirt and was kicked in the stomach several times.

Queensland Jewish president Jason Steinberg said some were afraid to display their Jewish identity. Picture: Brad Fleet

Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Jason Steinberg said Queensland Jews have been living in fear since the start of the Israeli war.

“Many Jews in Queensland are concerned, with some even afraid to display their Jewish identity,” Mr Steinberg said.

“Accusing Israel of apartheid, genocide, and other demonising epithets is divorced from reality, but lays the psychological groundwork to act out Hamas’s call to ‘slaughter the Jews’.

“That’s why the number of anti-Semitic incidents has skyrocketed.”

Community leaders are set to gather in Brisbane on Thursday night to show their support for Jewish Queensland in the wake of the shock rise of anti-Semitism.