Anti-Semitism taking root in Victoria as protesters grow louder

Not only is Victoria the home of anti-Semitism (“There is a home for anti-Semitism and it is called Victoria”, 11/7) but it now seems to be heading towards violence and terrorism as well.

Demonstrators in Melbourne on Sunday chanted “Death to the IDF” and someone carried a sign, “Death to the Zionist regime” (“Pro-Palestine defiance after firebombing”, 14/7).

This is the language of the Iranian regime, which has chanted “Death to Israel” for 40 years and calls it the Zionist entity or the Zionist regime, as Iran believes Israel should not exist.

This country has now descended to a terrible depth never seen before. Unless the federal government takes urgent action, we can expect violence, injuries and deaths.

The ayatollah in Iran must be chuckling with joy.

Pia Brous, Armadale, Vic

The pro-Palestinian defiance after the arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue and the storming of a Jewish-owned restaurant full of patrons is extremely concerning. “Death to the IDF” is certainly a call to arms.

I find all of this most disappointing in the only country I have ever lived in. I would just like to remind the protesters that they live in the best country in the world and their current actions are going to change all of that.

Most Australians are peace-loving people who accept a person based on the way in which that person behaves.

In my 77 years in Australia, I have never seen anything that compares with what is occurring today over such an extended time.

Peter D. Surkitt, Sandringham, Vic

Disturbing trend

Michael Gawenda (“No returning to the golden land for Jews any time soon”, 12-13/7) laid bare some disturbing and shameful truths about anti-Semitism in Australia.

Our government has assisted the festering of this hate by failing both to stamp it out early and by showing its reluctance to punish the offenders. Repeated weak words and empty promises do not help. Jewish migrants are among our best, and I believe a majority of Australians hold that opinion. It takes only a small, nasty minority to spread vitriol with the help of social media. Acts of hatred largely go unpunished.

Jewish people value and support education and the arts.

They maintain their culture and religion without trying to interfere with anyone else’s, something that can’t be said of all groups of migrants in Australia.

Susan Dornan, Beecroft, NSW

Metrics on debt, wealth

Australia’s public finances are at a critical juncture, yet public understanding of the numbers behind our national wealth and debt remains limited.

A simple chart comparing the Future Fund balance, annual government spending and revenue, structural deficit, total debt and interest payments could help bridge that gap.

A visual snapshot of these metrics should help people understand our finances and become better equipped to engage in meaningful debate about policy, priorities and Australia’s financial future.

Keith Davis, Milton, NSW

Trial insights

I look forward to the perspective of further commentary on the mushroom trial that has given Morwell the dubious title of being the epicentre of the trial of the century (so far).

I learnt a lot from Ellie Dudley’s article (“Dispatches from the mushroom bubble”, 14/7). The kind of detail an outsider craves.

I would never sit in a court like reporters do but am glad for the insights given on what is an audacious and deeply disturbing crime.

Jenny Esots, Willunga, SA

Revive history teaching

Angela Shanahan’s article (“Dump ideology, bring history back into the classroom”, 12-13/7) hopefully will be acted on by the so-called idealistic academics.

Negating history to create a brave new world will always backfire for the simple reason that there are malign forces that will always take advantage of the ignorance of idealistic people.

It is indeed time to dump ideology and refocus on the teaching of history.

John Bicknell, Bargo, NSW

Billions closing the gap

Paige Taylor’s article underscores what a lot of us think when we see over billions of dollars a year go to Indigenous affairs, with a call for a lot more to “close the gap” (“Territory audits a must, says Coalition”, 14/7).

Now there’s a world of difference between racism and resentment. Just where does this money go? Many of us are frustrated that we are asked to do more as a nation but when we hear reports of wastage, excess and money not going to where it’s needed most, accountability and audit, as in any business, is essential.

John Partridge, Mosman, NSW