Australia-Israel Allies Caucus Relaunched in Canberra
'It is incumbent upon all Australians – and especially those elected to lead the country – that we stand up, speak up, and show up for Israel and the Jewish people'
Political, faith and community leaders convened at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday to formally relaunch the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus for 2025.
The Australia-Israel Allies Caucus is part of a global network of parliamentarians who support Israel and the Jewish people. It has branches in Australia’s federal and state parliaments and works to advance the Australia-Israel relationship.
Speaking at the event, the chair of the Caucus, Andrew Wallace MP, who also serves as the deputy chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee, pointed to the rise of antisemitism and the deterioration of the Australian Government’s relationship with Israel as threats to Australia’s national security and global standing.
“Australia is facing an antisemitism crisis, and it is incumbent upon all Australians – and especially those elected to lead the country – that we stand up, speak up, and show up for Israel and the Jewish people,” he said. “The world is watching – allies and competitors alike. We must have each other’s backs in the fight against antisemitism.”
He said the Caucus “exists for such a time as this, by uniting political leaders, in the cause of combatting antisemitism and to advance the Australia-Israel relationship.
“Australia and Israel are two pioneering and freedom-loving nations sharing a rich Judaeo-Christian and democratic tradition. From the battlefields of Beersheba to the tech hubs of Tel Aviv and Sydney, Australia has partnered with Israel in the contest for democracy, trade, and invention. We want to celebrate that heritage and nourish a vibrant economic relationship for many years to come,” Wallace said.
“There has never been a more important time for political leaders to support Israel and the Jewish community in Australia. The Australia-Israel Allies Caucus provides the vehicle of support.”
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