A plea for action in Melbourne
Hate starts with a minority, but it never stops there. It spreads, it engulfs, and it becomes everyone’s problem.
Between the infamous Sydney Opera House “where are the Jews?” hunting call on October 8th, 2023, and firebombing of Adass Israel Shule on December 5th, 2024, Australia is witnessing a dangerous unravelling of its social cohesion. Hate feels uncomfortably close, and the thread of tolerance holding our diverse society together is fraying. Our society cannot nourish social cohesion when its Synagogues are burning.
These incidents are not isolated; they are warnings that threaten to destabilise the very essence of what Australia prides itself on—a harmonious multicultural society grounded in the concept of a “fair go.” For many, the events of Amsterdam recently—when mobs hunted down and attacked Jewish people—are less a distant warning and more a preview of what could happen here. It is only one step away from the demonstrations on Bourke Street, which have moved beyond being merely anti-Israel—they are an attack on all of us.
The majestic Christmas windows at Melbourne’s Myer store have for decades brought joy and festivity to children and families. This year, however, the pro-Hamas demonstrators threatened to protest the display, effectively holding a beloved Australian tradition hostage. Myer decided to cancel the event for safety reasons. The idea of children facing aggression while admiring Christmas lights—a festival celebrating peace—became untenable.
Hate starts with a minority, but it never stops there. It spreads, it engulfs, and it becomes everyone’s problem. What began as targeted protests against Israel and Jews has spiralled into a movement invading other spaces, dictating what is and isn’t permissible, and dismantling Australian customs one step at a time. The message is clear: no celebration for you unless it aligns with our worldview.
Hate, after all, is an emotion. It does not respect boundaries or limit itself to a specific target. It mutates and expands, often beginning with Jews, but never ending there. The Melbourne protesters embody this historical truth. They began with hatred towards Jews and have since extended their aggression towards others—towards every Australian who refuses to comply with their demands. They reject the values we cherish: tolerance, pluralism, and peaceful coexistence.
The moment calls for leadership that refuses to tolerate firebombing, bullying, and the dismantling of our social fabric. Enough is enough. This is not merely a request for heavy-handedness; it is a plea for genuine leadership, a plea for action that places the safety and harmony of the community above the aggression of a few.
The current strategy of the Victorian State Government, and implemented by the Police, has been to minimise aggression – to let it burn itself out. But how is that working? Ask the child whose Christmas celebration was cancelled. Ask the Jewish families enduring months of hatred. And now a synagogue is firebombed. This strategy is not working. It is failing Australians. Appeasement never works. All it does is embolden the aggressors.
Leadership on this matter requires the following steps:
Outlaw Hate Speech that Incites Violence
Like Germany and Austria, outlaw chants like “From the River to the Sea.” These words are not legitimate political discourse; they are calls for destruction, inherently racist and offensive to Jewish people. They incite violence and have no place in our public spaces.
Protect Civil Liberties Through Firm Boundaries
The right to protest is sacrosanct in a democracy. However, it cannot infringe on others’ civil liberties and peaceful livelihoods. Melbourne’s CBD has been host to over 400 pro-Hamas demonstrations. The time has come to relocate these protests. Let demonstrations happen without holding the city hostage—move the demonstration permits to Westgate Park. If these boundaries are crossed, fines and legal actions must follow.
Ban Hizb ut-Tahrir
Hizb ut-Tahrir, banned in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia, must be banned here. It openly calls for the overthrow of our democracy and promotes racism against non-Muslims. Their rhetoric and actions are incompatible with Australian values.
Continue Enforcing Laws Against Extremist Symbols
Symbols carry weight. They inspire and embolden. We must bring the full force of the law against individuals who display symbols of hate—whether Nazi insignia, Hamas flags, or Hezbollah emblems. These symbols are more than images; they are calls to action.
Hold Leaders Accountable
Leadership, whether civic or religious, comes with responsibilities. Any leader—regardless of faith—who incites violence or hatred must be held accountable. Words matter, especially from those in positions of influence. If leaders are allowed to preach division without consequence, they embolden followers and fuel aggression.
None of this is a call for extreme measures or the suppression of free speech. It is a plea for balance, protection, and a future where Australian values of openness, tolerance, and diversity are preserved. Australia has long been viewed as a safe haven for minorities. We pride ourselves on our multiculturalism, on being a country where anyone can find a place. But we are at a tipping point.
De-escalation without boundaries does not work. Appeasement, when faced with hatred, only invites more aggression. We must draw a firm line that says: “This is Australia. Here, we protect our citizens. Here, we respect each other’s right to celebrate, to worship, to live without fear.”
Premier Allan, the time for action is now. Victorians need to know that their leaders are willing to stand up for them, to protect their way of life. This is not just about Jewish Australians—it is about every Australian who believes in a future where children can admire Christmas lights without fear, where synagogues and Jewish businesses are safe, and where Melbourne’s streets are places of connection, not hate.
If we do not act now, if we continue to pacify without consequence, we risk losing the very soul of our community. The question is not whether we can preserve our values, but whether we are willing to fight for them. Are we willing to ensure that Melbourne remains a city where everyone feels they belong? The time for talking is over. It’s time for action. Premier, we need you to lead.
Adam Slonim is the director of the Middle East Policy Forum.
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