Synagogue firebombing shows up PM’s abandonment of Israel

I have lived opposite the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea for more than 30 years. In all that time I’ve only ever known a peaceful, friendly, devout and law-abiding community. So the events of Friday morning sent a dagger through my heart. Up until 15 months ago, Jews could live openly and securely in Australia. Since then, however, they have been subjected to endless thuggery, intimidation and threats by pro-Hamas protesters, who have been allowed to do whatever they want with almost complete impunity.

The Albanese government has gone out of its way to appease these thugs without actually demanding Hamas take exclusive responsibility for the consequences of its October 7 atrocities. Sadly, Jews are not safe in Australia anymore, as I can attest first-hand. The smouldering ruins of the Adass Israel Synagogue are seared into my soul forever.

Jeremy Browne, Ripponlea, Vic

I have been an ALP member and supported the party during multiple election campaigns, but no more. Its recent shift to an anti-Israel position and its disappointing response to the rise in anti-Semitism are alarming. In the 1940s, Labor’s Doc Evatt played a key role in helping to create Israel as a Jewish state. Labor prime ministers Bob Hawke and even Paul Keating had supportive roles in favour of Israel, including Australia’s votes at the UN. However, the Albanese government, especially Foreign Minister Penny Wong, has in two short years moved Australia to a hostile anti-Israel position. We are now no friend of Israel. The failure of the Labor government to address the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia, except for lip service, is appalling. It came to a crescendo with last week’s firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue.

Les Schrieber, Killara, NSW

Meeting privately with Jewish community members at a Perth synagogue a day after the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing in Melbourne, Anthony Albanese said: “In this deeply distressing time, I want every member of the Jewish community to know our government unequivocally condemns the prejudice you have been targeted with.” “Prejudice”? How about “vicious anti-Semitic hatred”, “racist vilification” and “sustained and ongoing verbal and physical attacks”? Why can’t the Prime Minister bring himself to use stronger language? An apology would not go astray.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern, Vic

It is clear that Anthony Albanese needs some concrete ideas regarding the surge of anti-Semitism in our society. I would like to offer some. First, any mosque that espouses anti-Semitic rhetoric should have all government funding revoked. This includes the religious charitable status. Second, such Muslim groups will also be banned from receiving funds from overseas sources, such as Qatar. Third, any person involved in anti-Semitic protests, which includes annihilation of Israel, will have government benefits removed. This includes social housing, unemployment benefits, NDIS and other welfare payments. It’s time the mealy-mouthed response by the Labor Party is addressed with action.

David Ehrlich, Caulfield North, Vic

While Benjamin Netanyahu is right in his observations about the Labor government not confronting anti-Semitism, I would counsel him to hold judgment on the Australian people’s attitude towards Jews and Israel until after the next federal election. The current government reneged on its undertaking to the Australian people before the last election to keep the same bipartisan supportive attitude towards Israel, and its response to anti-Semitic behaviour in Australia has been pathetic. I am 69 years old and this government has been in all aspects, including Israel, the most unprincipled and craven I have seen in my lifetime.

Ian Bartley, Westlake, Qld

After the synagogue firebombing in Melbourne, it’s now clear the PM has placed domestic politics, and the goal of a second term, as a greater priority than the good management of public order. In his open letter to the PM, Josh Frydenberg cites a comment by Sir Peter Cosgrove: “Hitler would be proud.” By any standard, this is a devastating reflection on the current situation (“Enough is enough”, 7-8/12). Sir Peter’s comment, along with Frydenberg’s letter, should be enough to activate a dormant PM

Tom Moylan, Dudley Park, WA