Australian Jews React in Alarm as Labor Preferences Greens Amid Rising Antisemitism

In a politically charged atmosphere, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus' recent decision to place the Greens second on Labor's how-to-vote card has sparked outrage within Australia’s Jewish community. This move comes despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's prior assurances that Labor would not negotiate with the Greens. Many in the Australian Jewish community feel increasingly vulnerable, especially in the wake of recent Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. These incidents have provoked near-weekly protests in major cities, where inflammatory slogans and symbols associated with terrorism and antisemitism have emerged. The Greens party, whose representatives have frequently attended these demonstrations, faces accusations of not adequately condemning antisemitic rhetoric. This decision takes place alongside concerns that the Greens are focusing on the Palestine issue while neglecting critical domestic challenges such as inflation, housing shortages, and crime rates. Critics within the Jewish community express dismay that a party—historically aligned with environmental activism—now appears to prioritize international issues over pressing local concerns. Moreover, the actions of the Greens have allegedly led to increased harassment of Jewish students on university campuses, fostering an atmosphere of fear. Notably, Dreyfus' familial ties to the Holocaust have heightened expectations that he would prioritize the protection of the Jewish community's interests. Dreyfus' decision, perceived as a betrayal, complicates Albanese’s previously stated commitment to refrain from agreements with the Greens, eroding trust within the Jewish community. This crisis of confidence also coincides with the commemoration of significant historical Jewish events, further amplifying the sentiment of abandonment felt among the Jewish Australians. Overall, the situation reflects a divergence between political strategy and the lived realities of vulnerable communities.