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PM to visit Adass shuleVolatile and unpredictable security environment says ASIO

Antisemitism task force announced

Special Operation Avalite will be a national taskforce focusing specifically on threats to the Jewish community.

By AJN STAFF December 9, 2024, 8:05 pm Edit
Tensions over antisemitism have been rising, such as last month when protestors targeted Caulfeild Shule, opposed by hundreds of local Jews. Photo: Peter Haskin
Tensions over antisemitism have been rising, such as last month when protestors targeted Caulfeild Shule, opposed by hundreds of local Jews. Photo: Peter Haskin

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has established a new Special Operation Avalite targeting threats and violence against the Jewish community, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.

The operation comes in response to a series of recent attacks, including the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, an arson attack on MP Josh Burns’ electorate office, and incidents in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs involving a car being set on fire.

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw explained that Special Operation Avalite will be a national taskforce focusing specifically on threats to the Jewish community.

“Unfortunately in Australia today, those of Jewish ethnicity or religion are being targeted because of who they are,” Kershaw said.

The operation will investigate serious offences including urging violence against Jewish groups, advocating terrorism or genocide, and using communication services to threaten or harass.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus acknowledged the severity of the current situation, noting that Australia is experiencing “the highest level of antisemitism” he has witnessed in his lifetime.

He said the government is committed to standing with the Jewish community and ensuring their safety.

As part of this commitment, the government has allocated an additional $32.5 million to support security for Jewish community sites.

This funding will supplement an earlier $25 million program providing protection for synagogues, schools, and other Jewish community locations.

Prime Minister Albanese highlighted several recent government actions to combat antisemitism, including a landmark ban on Nazi salutes and hate symbols in January, appointing Jillian Segal as Australia’s first Special Envoy to combat antisemitism, criminalising doxxing and legislation to criminalise hate speech currently before Parliament.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess provided a sobering assessment of the current security environment, describing it as volatile and unpredictable.

He warned that politically motivated violence is now a principal security concern, with provocative and inflammatory language being normalised.

Burgess reiterated his earlier warning about the probability of terrorist threats, stating that there continues to be more than a 50 per cent chance of a terror attack being attempted or planned in the next 12 months.

Albanese said he will be visiting the Adass synagogue later this week.

“This is a time for all Australians to stand together against antisemitism,” Dreyfus stressed.

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