The Albanese government has announced a special envoy to combat antisemitism amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East.
The appointment of Jillian Segal comes after months of pressure from the Opposition to do something about antisemitism in Australia.
The government highlighted that it is continuing to “press for a ceasefire” and has advocated for a two-state solution at the United Nations.
Given the conflict in the Middle East’s deeply affected communities nationwide, the federal government is touting Ms. Segal’s appointment to ensure Australians feel safe and included.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles noted every Australian, regardless of their race or religion, should feel safe and at home in any community, free from prejudice or discrimination.
Mr. Albanese said there is no place for “violence or hatred” of any kind in Australia.
“Australians are deeply concerned about this conflict, and many are hurting. In times like this, Australians must come together, not be torn apart,” Mr. Albanese said.
“We have built our nation’s social cohesion together over generations, and this is why we all must work together to uphold, defend and preserve it.”
Albanese Pushes Back on Judicial Inquiry
In response to questions from reporters about the need for a judicial inquiry into antisemitism, Mr. Albanese said, “You don’t need an inquiry to know there has been a rise in antisemitism at some of the universities.”“What we are doing is acting, appointing an envoy. We are very clearly aware of what has occurred.”
Ms. Segal’s background includes serving as former President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) and as chair of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.
Current ECAJ President Daniel Aghion expressed strong support on an Australian envoy in response to an “unprecedented surge” of antisemitism since Oct. 7, 2023.
“We have seen antisemitism rear its ugly head on Australian campuses, in schools, in the media and social media, in the arts and culture sector and other parts of society.”
He said a special envoy will provide the policies, legislative proposals, and programs to address antisemitism and counteract the harms and social divisions it causes.
Liberal Jewish MP Julian Leeser Calls for Investigation
Jewish Liberal Member for Berowra Julian Leeser said this appointment is the first thing the government has done in a concrete sense on antisemitism since the conflict began.He believes Ms. Segal should support his calls for the government to hold a judicial inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities.
Mr. Leeser also urged Ms. Segal to launch and investigation into antisemitism at the Australian Human Rights Commission as well as in politics.
He said the “test for the government is whether they will take action following her advice on these matters.”
Ms. Segal said combating antisemitism in Australia has never been more important than it is today.
“Jewish Australians want to feel free to live their day-to-day lives, and also want to feel safe to practice and express their religion without fear. They also want to be able to contribute as they have previously to the vibrant multicultural society that we value in Australia,” she said.
“The Jewish community in Australia is experiencing valid feelings of fear in the face of increasing antisemitism.”
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles highlighted the government has zero tolerance for prejudice or hatred of any kind.
“Antisemitic behaviour in Australia, including its recent rise, is unacceptable and the appointment of Ms. Segal demonstrates our government’s firm commitment to tackling Antisemitism head-on.”
