Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Australia’s Jewish community in light of recent firebombing attacks linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Following statements from Mike Burgess, the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Albanese indicated that the government would work “each and every day” to counter the threats posed by this militant group.
The announcement came after ASIO revealed that investigations connected the Iranian-backed military force to anti-Semitic firebombings that occurred in October 2022 and December 2022. These incidents targeted a kosher catering business, Lewis’ Continental Kitchen, in Bondi and the Adass Synagogue in Melbourne. Albanese described the expulsion of Australia’s Iranian ambassador and the closure of the Iranian embassy as a “serious step” in addressing the threats posed by the Revolutionary Guard.
Actions Against the Revolutionary Guard
During an interview with ABC, Albanese emphasized the need to update Australia’s anti-terror legislation to officially designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. “We will do that on the advice that we’ve received,” he stated. He asserted that shining a light on the activities of the Revolutionary Guard is crucial, as those involved in such actions often prefer to operate in secrecy.
Albanese expressed confidence in the transparency of the government’s response and its determination to keep Australians safe. “The way that we have declared this so transparently and openly puts the Revolutionary Guard of Iran in the spotlight,” he added.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the government, alongside security agencies, would take ongoing measures to protect the Jewish community from the Revolutionary Guard, which has a documented history of violent terrorism, including a foiled assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump.
Reassuring the Community
In his remarks, Albanese mentioned a recent meeting with the Australian Union of Jewish Students, where discussions centered on education, policy, and the future of Jewish Australians. He reiterated the importance of fostering an environment where people feel safe expressing their identities.
“It’s really important that Australians be confident and comfortable with expressing who they are,” he remarked. The Prime Minister highlighted Australia’s multiculturalism as one of the nation’s strengths, noting that diverse faiths and backgrounds coexist harmoniously in communities across the country.
As the government prepares to officially list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, a specific timeline for this process has yet to be disclosed. The evidence presented to the government indicates that the Revolutionary Guard was behind both the arson attacks in Bondi and Melbourne.
Burgess confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with intelligence still being gathered regarding potential links to other anti-Semitic incidents, although he refrained from commenting on whether these could extend beyond the states of New South Wales and Victoria.
The Australian government’s decisive actions reflect a commitment to safeguarding its citizens and addressing the threats posed by extremist groups. With ongoing vigilance and legislative changes on the horizon, the hope remains that the Jewish community can continue to thrive in a safe and inclusive environment.
