Erin Molan: Vile level of threats must never go unchallenged

The veracity of vitriol levelled at some commentators regarding the horrors of the October 7 attack on Israel is unimaginable, writes Erin Molan

The level of vitriol being emitted in Australia in relation to the war in the Middle East has exceeded anything I’ve witnessed in my lifetime. And when it comes to this topic, sadly I’m well qualified.

When appointed the first full-time female host of the NRL Footy Show, I became one of this country’s biggest online targets. The threats and attacks were incessant, vile and terrifying … the worst abuse I’d ever seen, or thought I would ever see.

This experience became the catalyst for my advocacy to push for new laws to protect us online and the Online Safety Act was introduced, or as then Prime Minister Scott Morrison called it ‘Erin’s Law’.

Now this legislation was never going to completely eradicate online or cyber abuse, that in itself is impossible. Similarly, tragically, current laws can’t stop incidents of domestic violence or murder, however it’s universally recognised that their very existence is intended to serve as a deterrent.

Fast forward to October last year and the world witnessed one of the most horrific terrorist attacks imaginable, that which occurred on October 7, when Hamas violently and brutally murdered over 1000 innocent people in Israel.

A man runs from an explosion after rockets hit Ashkelon in Israel on October 7.

The way in which they were slaughtered is unimaginable and has been compared by many experts to methods adopted by the likes of ISIS, some say it was even worse. For those of us in the media who report and commentate on world events, it was always going to be a difficult topic to cover — for many reasons.

The history of the conflict between Israel and Palestine is, indeed, complex and there are millions around the world who clash bitterly over what has occurred and are divided on with whom fault lies.

On this occasion, from my perspective however, what occurred on October 7 was not in any way complex. It was unquestionably an act of evil.

People are fervent, lives are being lost and free speech is a pillar of our society utilised passionately, and which I defend just as passionately. Notwithstanding that, I could never have envisaged what followed my condemnation of Hamas, a registered terrorist organisation, and condemnation of the brutal killing of innocent men women and children.

This was despite my simultaneously asserting that Israel must follow the rules of war in its retaliation AND that I had shed many tears as well for the innocent Palestinian children who were already suffering and would no doubt be caught up in the war that was about to ensue.

An Israeli rescuer walks in front of a damaged shop in Tel Aviv after it was hit by a rocket fired by Palestinian militants on October 7

This week my colleague Sharri Markson spoke of some of the death threats she received as a Jewish woman covering this story.

It is brave action and it is why I am now sharing some of the abuse I received at this time as well. I do this firstly in support of Sharri because talking about this stuff means you open yourself up to more of it and she shouldn’t be alone here. I also strongly believe that by not calling it out you allow it to grow and fester in darkness. That’s never been my style.

These are the kind of things our fellow Australians sent to me after I made comments that included condemnation of Hamas and urging Israel to follow the rules of war. The vast majority came from accounts with the Palestinian flag attached.

“I’m coming for you. Watch your back.”

“I hope you die a horrible death and rot in hell bitch.”

“Oh you are a mum? I wish it was your kid who got bombed, stupid ass white bitch.”

“You are a walking target.”

“Stick to the footy show, you f...ing dumb Israeli dog u deserve to be in a gas chamber with the rest of your little disgusting Jewish rats.’’

They also held a sign-up at a Pro Palestinian rally calling my just deceased hero of a father a “war criminal”.

Now I’m no stranger to threats and abuse online — most people in the public eye have experienced it in some way, shape or form, but I was unprepared for this. I was scared. I was terrified for the safety of my child.

The organisation these people seemed to sympathise with had just committed the atrocities of October 7. What were they capable of here in our own backyard?

In my case, the Australian Federal Police became involved, NSW Police too. It’s a chapter that I’d happily keep closed but unless people are aware of the attitudes and behaviour that exist in our communities, how can we stand up and defend our values and way of life, and ensure the rule of law? There are some incredible people who support Palestine and see Hamas as their enemy as well but there are also those who believe in extremism and terrorism and want to silence anyone who doesn’t.

There is not one person in Australia right now responsible for what is happening in the Middle East. Not one. So what could possibly justify the level of vile abuse and threats being sent to many who have to cover this issue for work, or wish simply to express an opinion? All in the Middle East are enduring great suffering right now but we must not accept associated threats and hostilities here or it might only be a matter of time.

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