‘We are seeing more swastikas’: Jewish leaders speak out as Middle East tensions grow

After a politically charged week focusing on the anniversary of October 7, Australia’s special envoy to combat anti-Semitism has spoken up on her next move.

EXCLUSIVE

Australia’s special envoy to combat rampant antisemitism called on the Albanese government to check the records of people receiving visas to stop further decay in the nation’s social cohesion.

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Telegraph after a politically charged week focusing on the anniversary of October 7, Jillian Segal said she had inquired with the Albanese government about proper checks on visa recipients and was “reassured” by the government.

Her inquiry comes after the Telegraph revealed a man with strong family ties to a terrorist organisation in the middle east was granted a visa.

Artist Fayez Elhasani’s son Remah Fayez Al-Hasani was a member of the al-Quds Brigades, the military arm of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

Fayez Elhasanin Gaza 2023. Picture: Supplied

PIJ is a designated terrorist organisation in Australia.

“I have inquired and been personally reassured that appropriate checks are being made on all visas being granted to ensure social cohesion,” she said.

Her comments come after a Labor-led parliamentary committee decided against Ms Segal’s recommendation of a royal commission into university campus anti-Semitism, instead finding it should be dealt with by a parliamentary committee.

It’s understood Ms Segal was not consulted on the specifics of Prime Minister’s decision to move a motion on commemorating October 7 that also marked the civilian death toll in Gaza.

“My role is to advise the government and to counter anti-Semtism and build social cohesion,” she said.

“I don’t necessarily expect the government to follow all my advice but I do expect them to give it serious and due consideration.”

Jillian Segal is the Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism. Picture: Nadir Kinani

Ms Segal is gearing up to meet with her Muslim counterpart, Australia’s special envoy on combating Islamaphobia Aftab Malik as the pair work to repair the domestic fallout from the Middle East war.

“I’ve been working very hard to recruit a team and then we are doing interviews of Jewish students and staff (at universities)... Next thing is to work with universities because they are a very concerning centre of anti-Semitic attitudes,” she said.

“They are places where future leaders are formed.”

Ms Segal also condemned a Sydney restaurateur who posed with a swastika at anti-Israel rallies in Sydney, revealing she too had been the subject of antisemitic abuse since taking on the high profile role.

“We are seeing more Swastikas just as we are seeing more symbols of hate on both sides, right and left,” she said.

“There is a great deal of nastiness directed towards me on social media but in a sense that is what social media has become.”

Originally published as ‘We are seeing more swastikas’: Jewish leaders speak out as Middle East tensions grow