Politics Australia's Prime Minister admits shortcomings in the fight against anti-Semitism
Four days after the devastating attack on a Jewish festival in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has admitted failures in the fight against anti-Semitism. "Anyone in this position would regret not having done more," Albanese told parliament in Canberra. Now we must look to the future and take action.
18.12.2025, 06:44
SDA
Albanese announced tougher laws against hate preachers and incitement of all kinds. The Prime Minister also said that tougher action would be taken against all those who spread "hatred and division" with regard to residency rights.
Harsh criticism of Albanese - also from Israel
Within the Jewish community in Australia, on the part of the opposition and also from abroad, there was some harsh criticism of Albanese. He was accused of not having done enough to protect Jews in the wake of increasing anti-Semitism in the country. Israel's right-wing conservative Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Albanese of adding "fuel to the anti-Semitic fire" with his Middle East policy. In September, Australia formally recognized Palestine as a state - as did the vast majority of the 193 UN member states.
In the attack in Sydney on Sunday, two assailants opened fire on the crowd at Bondi Beach during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. They killed 15 people and dozens were injured. The majority of those killed and injured are Jewish.
