Inferno of anti-Semitism a shame on our leaders

In a troubling development, a Jewish synagogue has suffered a serious fire on the morning of a news report that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Australia’s support for Palestinian statehood may encourage terrorism (“Bibi to PM: you are inviting terrorism”, 6/12).

The reluctance of both state and federal governments in this country to curtail mass gatherings that regularly violate laws in relation to racial vilification and other offences has puzzled the larger community.

Many have concluded that our security agencies have advised against action as a further incitement to violence. This is clearly a mistake. Rather, it would seem that the failure to act simply threatens to incite further violence against the Jewish community. The federal election can’t come soon enough.

Vicki Sanderson, Cremorne, NSW

I am an ordinary suburban mother and irreligious.

The lack of government response to the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia this year has made me ashamed to be Australian. What has happened to my fair, inclusive and tolerant country? Now, a synagogue has been set on fire.

Local, state, and federal politicians should hang their heads in shame.

Liz Rossmuller, Coorparoo, Qld

Property damage in Woollahra; damage to Jewish-owned businesses; Jews in lockdown for their own safety in the Great Synagogue; a synagogue set alight.

This can only remind you of events in Europe in the 1930s. What will it take for this government, the police and the courts to act in a meaningful way?

Ruth Franklin, St Ives, NSW

The arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne comes immediately after Australia abandoned Israel once more in the UN.

The events cannot be disassociated from each other. The anti-Israel factions in this country have been emboldened by the capitulation of the Albanese government, and their actions, already escalating, are likely to become more extreme.

We have witnessed a degradation in the rule of law and in civil society. Mealy-mouthed platitudes will not contain this situation, which calls for a co-ordinated national response. Is there anyone in the Albanese government prepared to step up?

Jim Wheeler, Agnes Water, Qld

A synagogue in Melbourne had its windows smashed and was firebombed. Recently, an anti-Israel rally was held outside another synagogue in Caulfield where former Israeli ministers had been invited to address the congregation.

A few days ago, people attending the Great Synagogue in Sydney were prevented from leaving when vocal and intimidating anti-Israeli protesters gathered outside. The event inside the synagogue had nothing to do with current events in the Middle East.

These recent events are examples of blatant anti-Semitism that is infecting our society. If these intimidating protests had taken place outside a mosque or church, there would have been an enormous outcry.

When will our government take meaningful action against these perpetrators, not just with weak and ineffectual words?

And when will mainstream media properly expose this anti-Semitism so that all Australians are made aware of the current destructiveness affecting the fabric of our society?

Kathy Sharp, Neutral Bay, NSW

Benjamin Netanyahu’s admonishment of Albanese’s support of a Palestine state is just another example of this ALP government’s total ineptitude and its being beholden to the Muslim vote in ALP electorates.

Albanese has incurred the wrath of two of our closest allies in supporting a Palestine state and one hates to think of the response from president-elect Donald Trump when he assumes office.

Peter Jacobsen, New Farm, Qld

Benjamin Netanyahu is correct. The Albanese government is so desperate to hang on to power by retaining parliamentary seats that it is willing to expose Australian citizens, especially those in the Jewish community, to increasing acts of terrorism.

The constant demonstrations and blatant anti-Semitism, never before encountered in Australia, should have rung warning bells to the government more than 12 months ago.

Noelle Oke, Albury, NSW