‘Stain on Australia’s Reputation’: Israel’s Travel Warning Draws Criticism

Palestine supporters rally outside the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 9, 2023. Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Israel’s decision to issue a warning on travel to Australia is a “stain” on the nation’s reputation, shadow foreign minister Simon Birmingham has said.

The Opposition Senate leader said it is “severely disappointing” that Israel felt the need to urge precaution for its citizens travelling to or in Australia.

“This is a stain upon Australia’s reputation that necessitates leadership by Anthony Albanese to restore our reputation as a safe and welcoming country, regardless of ones faith,” Mr. Birmingham said.

“Australia was one of the safest and most chosen destinations for those fleeing the horrors of the holocaust and we should be the last place that Israelis or Jewish communities should need to take precautions for their safety, including the need to conceal their religion.”

The Israel National Security Council (NSC) has raised Australia’s threat level two with the recommendation to “exercise increased precaution.”

France, China, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Venezuela and Zimbabwe are among the other nations with upgraded recommendations for travel (pdf).

“The threat level for many countries in Western Europe (including the UK, France, and Germany), South America (including Brazil and Argentina), as well as Australia and Russia, has been raised to level 2, with the recommendation to exercise increased precaution,” the NSC said.

Travel to the United States, Canada, Mexico and New Zealand are at a green level one recommendation, meaning there is no recommendation against travel.

Mr. Birmingham said the Albanese government needs to act to curb the “increasing antisemitic behaviour” and demonstrate “stronger leadership” to reassure Israeli and Jewish peoples of their safety.

He called on Prime Minister Albanese to address the issue of anti-Semitism at the next national cabinet meeting, due on Dec. 6.

“Prime Minister Albanese should be seeking a consensus statement of all national leaders condemning antisemitism, committing to combat it, committing to education and committing to the police resources and efforts to ensure that the types of intimidation we have seen are stamped out, such that Australia can restore our reputation as a safe and welcoming environment for people of all faiths and in this case, particularly people of Jewish faith,” Mr. Birmingham said in an interview at the Parliament House.

On Dec. 4, the Israel NSC warned citizens to postpone travel to countries for which travel warnings have been issued, especially Arab and Middle Eastern countries, countries bordering Iran and several Muslim countries in Asia.

Citizens were advised to check if there have been “anti-Israel protests and violence at the destination,” and stay away from demonstrations and protests.

Australia has seen protests on a weekly basis since Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping hostages.

The Opera House was stunningly lit up in solidarity with Israel on Oct. 9, before pro-Palestinian protesters showed up chanting, burning and stomping on the Israeli flag. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said he was “horrified by the protest” at the time.

In Melbourne, footage emerged at a recent protest of activists chanting “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Federal electorate offices, the United states consulate in Melbourne and  the joint Australian-U.S. military base in Pine Gap have also been targeted by activists with graffiti and vandalism.

Senator Simon Birmingham during the Economics Legislation Committee Budget Estimates 2021–22 at Parliament House on June 2, 2021 in Canberra, Australia. Sam Mooy/Getty Images

‘I Understand’: Defence Minister Richard Marles

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles answered “yes” when asked on the ABC if Australia is a safe place for Jews.

Mr. Marles urged Australian citizens to express freedom of expression in a peaceful manner.

“I think it’s really important that all of us, in what is a very difficult time globally, are looking after each other. And it is very important that as people legitimately express their views about what’s happening in the world, this is done in a peaceful manner,” Mr. Marles said.

“I mean, I absolutely understand that many in the Jewish community are finding this to be a very difficult time.

“And it is really important that, be it those of the Jewish community or those in the Islamic community, that Australians are looking after everyone. And that has to be the basis upon which upon which everyone expresses the legitimate right to freedom of expression, but to do that in a safe and a peaceful way.”

In early November, a group of 50 protesters blockaded the office of Mr. Marles holding banners “stop arming Israel,” and “free Palestine.” The minister was in the United States at the time.

Meanwhile, foreign minister Penny Wong recently issued a statement on the conflict in the Middle East during a joint press conference with French Foreign Affairs and Europe Minister Catherine Colonna.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong attend a press conference at Queensland Government House in Brisbane, Australia, on July 29, 2023. Pat Hoelscher/AFP via Getty Images

Ms. Wong recognised Israel’s right to defend itself but raised concerns about the civilian deaths in Gaza.

“I again indicate Australia’s position, we unequivocally condemn the October 7 attacks. We call, continue to call for the immediate release of all hostages,” Ms. Wong said on Dec. 4.

“Like France, we recognise Israel’s right to defend itself and we stress that the way it does so matters. Israel must respect international humanitarian law and it must conduct its military operations lawfully. And we are very concerned about the scale of civilian death that we are all seeing, including children.”