Jewish leaders have accused Australian governments of failing to heed warnings about rising antisemitism, after last Sunday's terror attack at Bondi beach. Speaking at a floral memorial for the 15 victims, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip said antisemitism had 'well and truly found a place here in our beloved country'.
Since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, numerous antisemitic incidents have been reported. The Australian Federal Police have described some as a 'con job' by criminals, while ASIO has alleged others were directed by the Iranian government.
Despite criticism that officials have overstated the number of incidents, figures show 249 charges have been laid against 231 individuals as of August, 44 of which involved physical violence. NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley cited more than 700 incidents since October 7 as justification for new laws, but Catley later admitted she 'may have had the figure wrong' and that NSW police had wrongly categorised many incidents.
Catley maintained that unreported incidents—including verbal abuse, graffiti, and vandalism—are far more numerous. Groups tracking antisemitism say such incidents have risen sharply over two years, even if definitions vary.
