American singer and social media personality Montana Tucker has made her first visit to Australia to partner with the Melbourne Holocaust Museum in advocacy work.
Tucker, who has over 14 million followers across social platforms, is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and has dedicated her online presence to combating antisemitism since October 7.
“This is my first time in Australia ever. I’m so excited, and I am so honoured that my first time is here with the Melbourne Holocaust Museum,” Tucker said during her visit.
The timing held special significance for the performer.
“It marks the six-year anniversary of when my Zayde passed away. So I think it’s a full circle moment and a very powerful moment that I’m here with the Melbourne Holocaust Museum to honour my Zayde and my grandparents.”
Tucker’s 96-year-old grandmother Lily remains alive but is suffering from Alzheimer’s.
During her brief visit, Tucker spoke at local schools and attended community events.
She performed Hatikvah alongside a Holocaust survivor at a major event, describing it as “an extremely powerful moment.”
The visit included a filming session at the Adass Israel synagogue that was targeted in an arson attack, where Tucker met with the rabbi to hear about the incident.
Tucker acknowledged concerns about antisemitism in Australia but said her experience had been positive.
“I feel like the media always blows things so out of proportion… the amount of love and support that I have seen and experienced since I’ve been here has been so incredible.”
The performer gained international attention for her advocacy at the Grammy Awards, where she wore a dress featuring a large yellow ribbon with a “bring them home” message.
The outfit sparked controversy with Grammy organisers initially calling it “too political” before the head of the Recording Academy later praised the gesture.
Tucker revealed that released hostages Emily Damari and Romi Gonen had seen coverage of her Grammy appearance while in captivity.
“Their captors, Hamas terrorists, let them watch TV with them one day… they saw me on TV, this girl that was wearing the dress, and they kept calling me the girl from the TV.”
Since October 7, Tucker has transformed her entertainment platforms into advocacy tools.
“I have really dedicated my life and my platforms to over 14 million followers, to combating antisemitism, all forms of hate,” she said.
The performer, who grew up in the predominantly Jewish community of Boca Raton, Florida, said she had not experienced significant antisemitism until later in life.
She now ensures she visibly displays Jewish symbols and Israeli imagery at all public appearances.
Tucker praised the young Jewish community members she met in Melbourne, particularly highlighting 15-year-old Sophie Basist, who recently spoke to 1000 people on the steps of state parliament.
“That’s incredible to be so young and so passionate about this, we all need to keep uplifting them and encourage them. And I’m so grateful that I’m able to give them any kind of inspiration and motivation, and I will keep doing that. I’m so proud of them,” Tucker said.
“These kids inspire me… they’re future leaders, and they’re going to be the ones that really are going to make the difference,” Tucker said.
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