Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over a recent mass shooting at a Jewish holiday event in Sydney. Netanyahu claimed that Albanese's call for a Palestinian state contributes to the rise of antisemitism, stating, "Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire." This incident has drawn widespread condemnation and expressions of sympathy from various nations.
As the conflict in Gaza escalates following Hamas's attack in 2023, Netanyahu has attempted to associate calls for Palestinian statehood and critiques of Israel's military actions with an increase in antisemitic incidents globally. Other members of Israel's government echoed Netanyahu's sentiments, urging Australia to take firmer action against the alarming rise of antisemitic attacks. In light of the shooting in Sydney, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including an Israeli citizen, Netanyahu further linked the tragedy to international support for a Palestinian state.
In September 2023, during the United Nations gathering, Australia was one of several countries that formally recognized a Palestinian state, a move supported by 159 countries according to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry. The majority of the international community sees the two-state solution as essential for resolving the long-standing conflict. Netanyahu's administration has articulated that the global momentum towards a Palestinian state effectively rewards Hamas.
Reactions to the shooting varied across the globe. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, condemned the act of terrorism, declaring that such violence is unacceptable. In the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the shooting, emphasizing that "antisemitism has no place in this world." British King Charles III expressed his deep sadness, having previously communicated with Israeli President Isaac Herzog about the increasing antisemitism faced by Jewish communities in Commonwealth nations, including Australia.
In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz conveyed his shock, describing the incident as an attack on shared values and called for an end to antisemitism both locally and globally. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his horror at the events, noting that his heart is with the global Jewish community during the significant Jewish festival of Hannukah.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the "ghastly terrorist attack," voicing solidarity with the Australian people amidst their grief. Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, lamented that no community should fear gathering to celebrate their faith, reiterating that such attacks will not break the spirit of the community.
In Australia, the Anglican pastor Matt Graham shared his experience of witnessing antisemitic graffiti frequently in his community. He expressed his support for Israel during a service at Bondi Anglican Church just moments before the chaos unfolded as people sought shelter from the shooting.
As the international community grapples with the implications of the shooting and the rise in antisemitism, the incident has reignited discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the responsibilities of nations in combating hatred and violence.
