Last Post: Rabbi’s words on hate crime, cricket, kayakers

I hope members of the federal government read Monday’s heartfelt plea from Rabbi Benjamin Elton concerning Anthony Albanese’s “very mild” approach to widespread anti-Semitism. The disgraceful acts of spray-painting several cars and the torching of another in Woollahra last week cannot be ignored At least NSW Premier Chris Minns has the guts to label the attacks “a hate crime”.

Peter J. Burke, Mosman, NSW

In 1847 David Pacifico, a British Jew living in Athens, had his house trashed by an anti-Semitic mob. Police stood by and did nothing. Greek authorities refused to pay compensation and the British under Lord Palmerston sent gunboats to blockade Greek shipping until they did. We don’t have gunboats any more and wouldn’t know where to send them if we did. But surely we can do better than Anthony Albanese using what Rabbi Benjamin Elton rightly calls “mild rhetoric” and a Prime Minister who says he finds anti-Semitism “deeply disturbing” and “deeply troubling” but takes no real action to end it.

Rob Barden, Port Elliot, SA

What Rabbi Elton should have said in his very mild response to the Prime Minister’s very mild words tackling anti-Semitism: “Prime Minister, you should follow Chris Minns’ lead and condemn in the strongest possible terms the vile anti-Semitic forces that are tearing our country apart and stop worrying about what this will do to the Labor vote.”

John Lake, Mosman Park, WA

Step up, Prime Minister, or step down.

George Fishman, Vaucluse, NSW

If Anthony Albanese wishes to stamp out anti-Semitism he could first show that Australia supports Israel by not supporting the International Criminal Court decision. It also would send a message that he is not putting personal electoral interests first. It’s time to choose a side, Mr A.

Julie Winzar, Palm Beach, Qld

Thank you to The Australian for reporting on the kayaking climate protesters (“Shipping halted, 138 arrested during anti-coal protest”, 25/11). It’s important that environmental issues stay afloat in the public debate, no matter how they paddle their way in.

Amy Hiller, Kew, Vic

Australians may be asking themselves what went wrong in the first Test against India. I have an answer – it’s called T20.

Michael Fishpool, Carindale, Qld

There seems to be a shortage of baseball bats in the shops at the moment. Could there be an election coming up?

Rex King, New Farm, Qld