An Open Letter to the Prime Minister: A Plea Against Rising Antisemitism in Australia
Jewish Australians have always been integral to this country’s fabric, contributing to every sector of society while supporting causes that uplift others.
I am an Australian citizen, a 78-year-old Jewish woman, and the daughter of Holocaust survivors. My parents came to Australia from Israel in 1958, hoping to give their children a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous life. They sought a country where one’s worth would be measured not by religion but by character, achievements, and contributions to society. For decades, Australia embodied that vision—a nation where hard work, generosity, and inclusivity thrived.
Jewish Australians have always been integral to this country’s fabric, contributing to every sector of society while supporting causes that uplift others. Yet today, I write with a heavy heart, deeply troubled by the surge of antisemitism and hate that now mars this beautiful land.
This troubling trend comes on the heels of unimaginable tragedy. On October 7th, the world witnessed unspeakable atrocities as Israeli young people and families – Jewish and Muslim – were attacked, hostages taken—including Holocaust survivors, women, and children—enduring unfathomable conditions – 100 still remain there. These events were not chosen by Israel, but inflicted upon its people. They serve as a grim reminder of why a Jewish homeland remains essential—a sanctuary in a world that has, too often, turned its back.
Prime Minister Albanese, I implore you to reflect on this history. My father fought for Israel’s independence in 1948—a nation born from the ashes of the Holocaust, after six million Jews perished with nowhere to turn. Israel’s existence is a testament to resilience, a haven for a people who yearned for peace and safety. Yet, it has never been without struggle.
Israel’s children—18-year-olds fresh from school—stand on the front lines, defending a small nation against relentless aggression. This isn’t just about borders; it’s about survival. The rational Israeli majority want peace, yet Hamas and Hezbollah invest not in progress or coexistence, but in tunnels and rockets designed to destroy. They use their own people as shields, showing little regard for human life. Moreover, they perpetuate a cycle of aid and violence, exploiting their suffering for political ends.
I together with the Jewish community and communities worldwide are deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives in Gaza and Lebanon.
Here in Australia, our identity as a harmonious and accepting nation is under threat. The burning of a synagogue in Melbourne yesterday is not just an act of vandalism—it is a stain on our values, a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked hate.
Prime Minister, I appeal to you: do not let antisemitism take root in our society. Do not turn a blind eye to the suffering of Israelis or the continued existential threats they face. Remember the contributions Jewish Australians have made to this nation. Stand firm against hatred in all its forms.
Australia can and must reclaim its place as a beacon of tolerance and understanding. Let us rise above division and hatred and reaffirm our commitment to peace and humanity—for all Australians, and for the world.
Eva Fried. Melbourne, Australia
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