Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing backlash after making comments that have been deemed “insensitive” and “tone deaf” by the Jewish community.
According to Sky News host Sharri Markson, Albanese told prominent Jewish leaders that “Arabs are doing it really tough at the moment” – a remark that has sparked outrage and disbelief.
The Context: Rising Antisemitism in Australia
The comments came at a sensitive time, just days before the firebombing of Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue and following a string of antisemitic attacks in Woollahra, a prominent Jewish suburb. The attacks, which included vandalism and graffiti, have left the community shaken and concerned.
“Tone Deaf” Remarks Spark Outrage
Markson revealed that the Jewish leaders were shocked by Albanese’s comments, which they saw as ignoring the struggles of their own community. They immediately responded, telling the Prime Minister that the Jewish community was also “doing it tough”. Social media users were quick to react, with many expressing disbelief and anger at Albanese’s remarks.
A Failure to Understand the Antisemitism Crisis
Critics argue that Albanese’s comments show a lack of understanding of the gravity of the antisemitism crisis in Australia. Markson said that the Prime Minister’s instinct to talk about the difficulties faced by the Arab community, while the Jewish community is under attack, is bewildering.
Government Accused of Fuelling Antisemitism
The Albanese government has been accused of fuelling antisemitism through its own actions, including voting in favour of UN motions backing Palestine. This has led to concerns that the government is not taking the issue of antisemitism seriously enough.
Recent Examples of Government Actions
Just last week, Australia voted in favour of a motion calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The government has also expressed support for the mandate of humanitarian aid organisation United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which has been linked to Hamas on multiple occasions.
The Backlash Continues
As the backlash against Albanese’s comments continues, many are left wondering why the Prime Minister attended a meeting with Jewish leaders if he wasn’t willing to listen to their concerns. Social media users have expressed their outrage, with one user saying “the ignorance of this man is gobsmacking!!”. Others have questioned the government’s commitment to addressing antisemitism, saying that it’s time for a change in leadership.