Melbourne, Australia – A recent attack on Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne has reignited concerns about escalating antisemitism in Australia and beyond, marking a sobering reminder of historical violence against Jewish communities. The firebombing, which occurred on December 6, 2024, devastated the synagogue structure and injured two congregants, drawing sharp criticism over the nation’s ability to protect its Jewish residents.
Synagogues have long served as the heart of Jewish religious life, providing spaces for prayer, study, and community. Notably, the surge in attacks against these sacred spaces recalls darker periods of history, particularly the unfathomable violence of Kristallnacht in 1938, when National Socialists destroyed over 267 synagogues in Germany and Austria.
The attack on the Melbourne synagogue is part of a distressing pattern of antisemitic incidents in Australia, which include harassment of Jewish university students, antagonism toward Jewish creative professionals, and public displays of anti-Israel sentiment. Each incident contributes to a climate of fear and hostility which resonates profoundly with the Jewish community, especially among Holocaust survivors and their families.
The response to this violence has been widespread, evoking both national and international outrage. Historical parallels were swiftly drawn, as community leaders recalled the valiant protests of Aboriginal activist William Cooper in 1938, who denounced the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany on behalf of the Australian Aborigines’ League.
Tragically, the recent increase in antisemitic incidents reflects not just a national concern but a global one. Since 2023, Australia has joined other countries witnessing significant antisemitic attacks, which have included the desecration of synagogues and other Jewish institutions worldwide.
The firebombing has underscored a disturbing revelation, suggesting a reversal back to times when Jews were openly persecuted. This current wave of antisemitism echoes historic cycles of intense prejudice and discrimination that often escalated into violence and societal exclusion.
In the wake of this attack, educational and legal strategies have been revisited as mechanisms to counter antisemitism. The installation of special envoys to combat antisemitism in Australia, alongside similar appointments in 24 other countries, signifies a broader, more coordinated approach to addressing this persistent hate.
However, experts like Emeritus Professor Konrad Kwiet from the Sydney Jewish Museum stress that education alone is not sufficient. What is required is a comprehensive strategy encompassing historical education that fosters critical reflection and civic duty, aiming to avoid mere superficial understanding and instead inspire deep societal commitment to inclusivity.
Professor Kwiet, a seasoned scholar in Jewish history and the Holocaust, underscores the importance of intertwining historical context with lessons in civic responsibility. His lengthy tenure at various esteemed institutions highlights his commitment to educating future generations on the intricacies of historical prejudices and the dire consequences of societal indifference.
As governments and communities grapple with the best approach to combatting rising antisemitism, the key may lie in a multifaceted response that promotes understanding, rebukes indifference, and heralds an era where such atrocities are neither forgotten nor repeated. The journey toward a tolerant society, free from antisemitism and all forms of hate, will require persistent effort and an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and equality.