As did every other form of racism. What is your point?
Antisemitism is rising globally at an unprecedented and alarming rate, reaching historic highs in many countries. Data from various Jewish organizations and law enforcement agencies shows significant increases in antisemitic incidents worldwide, particularly since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Key Global Data and Trends on Rising Anti semitism since the IDF invasion of Gaza:
- Dramatic Surge in Incidents: In 2024, the number of antisemitic incidents globally increased by approximately 340% compared to 2022 and nearly 100% compared to 2023, according to a report by the World Zionist Organization and The Jewish Agency for Israel.
- Record Highs: The United States, which has the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, has seen record numbers of antisemitic incidents reported by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for several consecutive years. In 2023, the ADL recorded 8,873 incidents, a 140% increase over 2022.
- Major Increase Post-October 7: A significant portion of the increase occurred after the October 7 attacks. For example, in the UK, a 1,353% increase in antisemitic offences was reported by London's Metropolitan Police in October 2023 compared to the previous year. Australia experienced a 316% increase in incidents in the year following October 1, 2023.
- Geographic Scope: The rise is a global phenomenon affecting North America, Europe, Australia, and parts of Latin America and Asia. Countries like France, Germany, Canada, and Australia have all reported massive spikes in incidents, including physical assaults, vandalism (such as synagogue arsons), and online hate speech.
- Online Antisemitism: Antisemitic content online has also increased drastically, with reports showing content on some platforms rising by over 300%.
Source: Executive Council of Australia Jewry
Two obvious conclusions:
1. The sharp rise in antisemitism since October 2023 is a global phenomenon and strongly correlated to the actions of the Israeli Government subsequent to 7 October - most particularly the ongoing slaughter of civilians in Gaza and actions such as this announced in the past 24 hours:
2. Given the global nature of this sharp increase in anti-semitism and its correlation to rising global anger at the anti-humanitarian actions of the Netanyahu Government, it is not immediately apparent HOW a Federal Royal Commission in Australia could assist in combatting antisemitism beyond the actions already taken by the Federal Government and the NSW Royal Commission to which the government has already announced full support and cooperation.
And again, I point to the considered and measured response of the Jewish Council of Australia in the days after the October massacre:
“Our grief should not be used as a political weapon, nor as an excuse to pursue agendas that divide communities. We urge the Prime Minister to reject voices which seek to use this response to divide us and pursue anti-immigration or pro-Israel agendas, and instead focus on what is needed to keep us, and all racialised communities, safe from violent acts of racism”
"We are concerned that elements of today’s announcement resemble long-standing proposals from the pro-Israel lobby which have nothing to do with addressing violent extremism."
“Responses to this terrorist attack should be squarely focused on keeping Jewish people and all communities safe, not fulfilling a pro-Israel wishlist.”
“Jewish people, and people from every single racialised group, deserve safety, and we deserve solutions that truly deliver it. Our safety and the safety of every other marginalised group go hand in hand. We need to be strengthening connections between communities and cultivating grassroots efforts to tackle racism at its core.”
“Policy which points towards universities, the protest movement and migration as the problem will only lead to more demonisation. Our Muslim and Palestinian allies are now facing extreme abuse and threats. The Government must act immediately to head off this dangerous path”
Forms of ideological policing – particularly where they are used to limit legitimate criticism of Israel — they will only make Jews less safe, and do the opposite of combatting antisemitism,”
"The Jewish Council urges the Prime Minister to ensure that the Government’s response remains grounded in evidence, focused on prevention, the widest possible consultation and committed to unity."
