Belated token gestures doing little to curb anti-Semitism

Anthony Albanese has set up AFP Special Operation Avalite to tackle anti-Semitic violence (“PM has a lob at leadership”, 10/12) in response to the arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne last Friday. It is months too late, and months after anti-Semitic activities have divided, dismayed and destroyed the strong fabric of our nation.

For the Prime Minister to front our media with this belated response should make those standing beside him in this situation extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Anne Lindsay, Stanthorpe, Qld

Anthony Albanese clearly enjoys the benefits that go with being Prime Minister: the plane at his disposal, accessing the Lodge and Kirribilli House, travelling the world meeting the leaders of important countries, attending significant sporting and cultural events, and being feted wherever he goes.

Unfortunately, he has demonstrated that he really didn’t understand that when he won the job there were expectations that he would lead, and that role required dedication and hard work. Sometimes it even needed him to make tough decisions that were for the benefit of the country as a whole, that some in the electorate would not like. It is this necessity to provide leadership that he seems to be incapable of.

I cannot help but wonder why there hasn’t been a move against him in the Labor Party. Maybe he can thank Kevin Rudd, who drove for a change in how leaders could be replaced, making it a more difficult process. Then again, the talent pool in cabinet is pretty thin.

At least Albanese can tick the prime minister box when completing his resume.

James Simpson, Cherrybrook, NSW

There’s a rise in anti-Semitism in the West and, significantly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has chosen to name only passive Australia as emblematic of condoning its downward spiral.

We have earned the rebuke and shame, and it never stops in every dimension of our current governance.

This Labor government makes no course correction whatsoever, even though it’s inundated with censure, outright failure on multiple fronts and proven disconnections from reality. Former prime minister Bob Hawke was right about anti-Semitism tolling the bell for all citizens.

The Islamist (essentially anti-Jew) hell in the Middle East is one end of the spectrum, and Australia polishes anti-Semitism by the relentless failure to act to stop it.

Betty Cockman, Dongara, WA

So Anthony Albanese has finally decided to pretend he’s actually going to do something about anti-Semitism.

True to form, he’s 14 months too late and acting only after the public and political pressure became irresistible. His weekend behaviour, choosing to stay in Perth and then play tennis, rather than hopping on the prime ministerial jet and going to the Adass Israel Synagogue, says everything about him as a leader.

Alan Hayes, Currumbin, Qld

Well said, Claire Lehmann (“Hate comes for Jews, but some leaders stay silent”, 10/12).

I think Jewish citizens have been ostracised for so long, even those of goodwill accept that they are treated differently, but they seem to battle on. They are sometimes identified and tracked by their dress, occupation, schooling and place of worship.

One should not have to eschew traditional or religious dress to hide identity or drive around the block twice to ensure one is not followed home.

For those of faith, a couple of hours of singing, prayer, fellowship and tea is a welcome period of rest and renewal and it must continue in safety.

Racism is striking at the heart of egalitarian Australian mateship and a fair go. I don’t take much comfort from Anthony Albanese’s bland announcements about addressing the problem.

Brian Whybrow, Wanniassa, ACT

When visiting Rome in the 1990s, I was overwhelmed to see armoured cars and guards with guns outside synagogues and schools. While living in Nottingham, England, Jewish friends told me they always had parent security rosters for their school.

Never did I think it would become part of the Australian scene. How has it been allowed to come to this?

Rosemary McGrath, Kensington, SA