Global Antisemitism Escalation Requires Societal Security Response

Key Quotes

"The jewish community here has been warning our government and our authorities for two years now that something like this was almost likely to happen because of the the these upsurge in antisemitism and violent antisemitism that we've seen ever since the october 7 attacks in 2023."

Jamie Heims, director of public affairs for the Australia Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, indicates that the Jewish community had been proactively alerting authorities about a potential escalation of antisemitism. This suggests a perceived inaction or insufficient response from the government prior to the attacks. Heims' statement highlights a disconnect between community warnings and governmental preparedness.

"There is something going on that's not happenstance I don't want to suggest to your listeners that there's some sort of giant conspiracy but there is an effort which was exemplified by two events one in australia and one on the upper east side of manhattan the one in australia was on october 9th 2023 two days after the hamas attack on israel where in front of the iconic sydney opera house protesters marched chanting you know globalizing the intifada which most jews interpret as as harm jews everywhere from the river to the sea some say they chanted gas the jews that's up for debate but the thing that that struck me most is their chant where are the jews where are the jews."

Deborah Lipstadt, former Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, argues that recent events are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, organized effort. Lipstadt points to specific protests in Australia and Manhattan as examples of this trend. She emphasizes that chants like "globalizing the intifada" and "where are the Jews?" are interpreted by the Jewish community as direct threats and expressions of antisemitism.

"The adl the anti defamation league has tracked what they say is a five fold increase in antisemitic attacks since october 7th in australia i mean understanding that an acceptable number of antisemitic attacks would be zero has australia's experience been radically different from the us's in these intervening two years i i don't think so."

Deborah Lipstadt notes that the Anti-Defamation League has documented a significant increase in antisemitic attacks in Australia following October 7th. Lipstadt suggests that Australia's experience with this rise in antisemitism is not fundamentally different from that of the United States. She underscores that any number of antisemitic attacks is unacceptable, implying a widespread global issue.

"It used to be that if you were going to europe american jews going to europe and they wanted to go to a synagogue they'd be told by friends by people there by informants who lived there whatever call ahead and let the synagogue know you're coming for services be sure to bring id and a passport you know at least a passport and if if you have trouble finding the place follow the men who are walking on the street in suits and baseball caps why them because they're covering up their kippah they don't want to show their kippah and if that doesn't work just stand on the street where the synagogue is and look up and down for the gendarmes and the caribbeaners their their guns their rifles that's the synagogue that used to be the instructions for europe that used to be the instructions for argentina and in in certain places in australia as well now it's the instructions everywhere."

Deborah Lipstadt draws a stark comparison between past security protocols for Jewish communities in Europe and Argentina and the current situation, which she states is now applicable "everywhere." Lipstadt explains that previously, Jews traveling to synagogues abroad needed to take extensive precautions, including identification and discreetly finding services. She highlights that these heightened security measures, once confined to specific regions, are now a global necessity for Jewish individuals attending synagogues.

"There was no public celebration except in israel of hanukkah last night on any continent that did not have police protection and it probably would have it probably had more because of australia but it would have had it anyway."

Deborah Lipstadt points out the pervasive need for police protection at Hanukkah celebrations globally, with the exception of Israel. Lipstadt's observation indicates that even in countries with established Jewish communities, public celebrations now require significant security measures. This highlights the widespread fear and the perceived threat level faced by Jewish communities worldwide.

"The steps in the right direction you know maybe a little late but certainly in the right direction and look it's it's the main effort of course has to be taken by government because this is a government issue this is a criminal issue this is murder um and attacks you know criminal criminal attacks but it's got to be a whole of society approach too."

Deborah Lipstadt acknowledges that government actions, such as establishing task forces, are positive steps in combating antisemitism, though she suggests they may be delayed. Lipstadt emphasizes that while governmental and law enforcement efforts are crucial for addressing criminal acts, she also calls for a broader societal response. This indicates her belief that tackling antisemitism requires a collective effort beyond just official channels.