Former Liberal MP Tim Wilson goes head-to-head with Teal MP Zoe Daniel over the rise of anti-Semitism, community tensions and crime

Teal MP Zoe Daniel has been booed at a highly anticipated Jewish community election forum as she faced off against Liberal candidate Tim Wilson in the battle of Goldstein.

The battle for Goldstein and highly anticipated rematch between teal independent MP Zoe Daniel and Liberal candidate Tim Wilson has officially heated up, with supporters clashing at a Jewish community election forum.

Ms Daniel was repeatedly booed as the rivals went head-to-head in debate in front of one of the state’s biggest Jewish communities on Thursday night.

More than 300 people poured into the Brighton Hebrew Congregation to watch the showdown, which covered the rise in antisemitism and community tensions following Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack, and Israel’s subsequent bombardment of Gaza.

Diehard fans of Mr Wilson began cheering and clapping as he entered the room.

“Go Tim,” supporters shouted, getting to their feet.

Chants of “Zoe, Zoe” then rung out before some attendees clapped back.

“Shame on you,” one said.

Zoe Daniel was booed at Jewish community election forum. Picture: Brendan Beckett

During the debate, Ms Daniel was met with grumblings from the crowd as she dodged directly labelling herself a Zionist - the belief that Israel has a right to exist.

She, however, said she fully believes in the state of Israel.

Ms Daniel pledged to never use the Jewish community’s “pain for political gain” and to “actively stand up against antisemitism”.

The independent also reminded the audience she began the campaign to ban doxxing after Jewish artists were targeted online, and called the boycotting of Jewish businesses “disgusting”.

Mr Wilson said he would “very comfortably” call himself a Zionist, as he blamed Labor for “out of control” antisemitism.

He said a Coalition government would “deport non citizens who are engaged in criminal activity” that posed a threat to the country, and would make tackling antisemitism a priority.

Jewish leader and debate moderator Zeddy Lawrence asked whether they would support slashing funding to public institutions, including the ABC, that were perceived to be “normalising” antisemitism.

Mr Wilson said the ABC needed “serious reforms”.

Mr Wilson said he was happy to call himself a Zionist: Picture: Brendan Beckett

Ms Daniel was booed by some as she defended the ABC, while others in the crowd fiercely applauded.

Asked about whether she believed in shutting down hateful protests, Ms Daniel said her opponent had a “very open view around allowing people to express hate in the public arena”

“Rubbish,” some yelled.

“Liar.”

Ms Daniel won the Bayside electorate off the former Liberal MP with a 2.9 per cent margin at the 2022 poll, as the Teal wave washed out five Liberals across three states.

Mr Wilson, who suffered a 12.3 per cent swing against him on first preference votes, says his desire to serve has never been stronger as he tries to claw his way back to the helm of the once blue-ribbon seat.

Originally published as Former Liberal MP Tim Wilson goes head-to-head with Teal MP Zoe Daniel over the rise of anti-Semitism, community tensions and crime