A small group of Australian Israelis demonstrated outside the Australian embassy in Tel Aviv, opposing the government’s recent decision to recognize a Palestinian state. Approximately 30 protesters gathered on the afternoon of March 15, 2024, holding placards and chanting slogans such as “Support your mates, not terror states.”
Protest organizer Michael Frumar expressed concerns regarding the implications of the recognition. “The October 7 attacks took place not even two years ago, and by giving them a Palestinian state, you’re basically saying if you butcher 1,200 people, you’ll get a reward for that,” he stated in an interview with ABC News. Frumar emphasized the necessity of voicing their opinions, urging both Jewish and non-Jewish Australians to recognize their sentiments.
The protests coincided with the start of the Israeli weekend, reflecting growing tensions within the Australian community regarding the government’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some participants expressed alarm over a perceived neglect of the safety of Australian Jews in the face of rising antisemitism.
One protester, whose daughter Michelle also joined the demonstration, lamented the absence of balanced dialogue in Australian media. “We were all watching the footage of the large pro-Palestinian protest on Sydney Harbour, and we were looking at what was happening on the Harbour Bridge. If I had seen one poster that said ‘Save the hostages’ alongside calls to save Palestinian lives, we wouldn’t be having this discussion,” she said. Michelle stressed that Australian identity should encompass fairness for all citizens, irrespective of their background.
In response to rising concerns about antisemitism, the Australian Government announced several measures aimed at protecting the Jewish community. These initiatives include the appointment of Jillian Segal as Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, increased funding for security at Jewish schools and synagogues, and legislative changes to criminalize doxxing and hate speech. Additionally, the government has taken steps to ban symbols associated with hate, including the Nazi salute.
The Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation have focused their efforts on monitoring antisemitic incidents, particularly in the wake of the attacks on October 7, 2023. Following these events, the Australian Government has attributed at least two of the attacks to Iranian influence.
As the situation evolves, the ongoing dialogue surrounding Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state continues to ignite strong emotions within the Australian community, both locally and abroad. The protests in Tel Aviv underscore the complexities of balancing international diplomacy with domestic sentiments.
