Josh Frydenberg’s tears over anti-Semitism directed at young Jewish couple

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has cried while interviewing a Jewish couple in Melbourne who were victims of anti-Semitism.

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has shed tears while interviewing a Jewish couple who were forced to close their family business after becoming victims of anti-Semitism.

Mr Frydenberg, who is also Jewish, hosted a one-hour documentary on Sky News titled Never Again: The Fight Against anti-Semitism.

“The words never again must actually mean something,” he said.

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg hosted the documentary. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

During one part of the documentary, he spoke with Jewish couple Joshua and Maggie Moshe, who opened a gift shop in Melbourne seven years ago but were forced to close down after becoming victims of anti-Semitism.

“October 7 happened, which was obviously very devastating,” Mr Moshe said.

“Not long after that we started noticing quite a bit of tension with some of our customers and some people that we worked with as well.”

Mr Moshe, who is also a professional musician, joined a WhatsApp group to support the Jewish creative community, which had more than 600 members.

Jewish couple Joshua and Maggie Moshe had to close their store in Thornbury.

Josh Frydenberg spoke with the young Jewish couple about the anti-Semitism they faced.

But just three months later, his personal details were made public.

“We got horrible, abusive messages. We had our store vandalised numerous times and we also had death threats on our phone — not just against us but really concerningly our child,” Ms Moshe said.

Their son is just five years old.

Mr Moshe said he felt incredibly hurt and violated.

“I feel like I’ve been explicitly told to make a choice. If you want to be a Jewish creative in Australia you must be vocally anti-Israel or else you will not be accepted,” he said.

Jewish people and supporters rallied outside the Victorian parliament earlier this month. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

“I come from a long lineage of proud Jewish people that have stood up and faced and survived this and more for many thousands of years.

“I come from that lineage and I am stronger than any of these people think.”

Ms Moshe became emotional as she described the moment when she was closing her family business and a passer-by gave her the finger.

“I’ve put a lot of energy and time into this place and this business, and to have it ripped away from us like this is just horrible and unfair and uncalled for, and it helps no one,” she said.

Mr Frydenberg replied: “That’s why we’re doing it (the documentary).”

He then reached over to console the couple and wiped away his own tears.

“Thank you, thank you for your strength,” Mr Frydenberg said before hugging the couple.

Josh Frydenberg wept during the documentary.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also features in the documentary. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The documentary comes after the Hamas attack against Israel on October 7.

Since then, Israel has bombarded Gaza with attacks.

Former prime ministers, including John Howard and Julia Gillard, also feature in the documentary.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton were also interviewed.

To stream the full documentary and extended interviews from Never Again: The Fight Against Antisemitism visit SkyNews.com.au or download the Sky News Australia App.

Originally published as Josh Frydenberg’s tears over anti-Semitism directed at young Jewish couple