Combating Antisemitism in Modern Australia
The foundation is committed to inclusion, reaching beyond echo chambers and engaging the silent majority
The Antisemitism Summit: A Defining Moment for Australia
In response to the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents, Sky News Australia, in collaboration with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), convened an Antisemitism Summit on February 20, 2025, at Sydney’s Central Synagogue. The summit brought together political leaders, community representatives, and concerned citizens to develop concrete strategies against antisemitism.
Credit is due to Sharri Markson and Sky News Australia for their commitment to truth in an era when much of the media has lost its moral compass. Markson’s fearless reporting has ensured that the rising threat of antisemitism does not go unchallenged.
Jillian Segal’s Call for Proactive Measures
A pivotal moment came when Jillian Segal, Australia’s first Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, called for a decisive, proactive approach:
“We have been reactive for too long. It’s time to implement forward-looking measures to stop antisemitism before it takes deeper root in Australian society.”
Segal outlined a national strategy focusing on:
- Education – Promoting accurate historical and cultural knowledge to dismantle antisemitic myths.
- Legislative Reforms – Strengthening hate crime laws to deter and punish offenders.
- Community Engagement – Encouraging partnerships that foster inclusivity.
I fully concur with Segal’s assessment. But government action alone is not enough—civil society must play its part. That is why I founded The 2023 Foundation Ltd, an Australian harm minimization charity focussed on combating antisemitism, fostering social cohesion and promoting peaceful coexistence.
A Personal Connection to Israel
My first career was as a soldier, where I served for 30 years in the Australian Army, including deployments to East Timor, Bougainville, Iraq, and Afghanistan (twice). From July 2019 to September 2021, I lived in Jerusalem, serving as a United Nations military peacekeeper. Though not Jewish, my time in Israel deepened my understanding of the Jewish people’s history, resilience, and challenges.
The October 2023 attacks and the subsequent global rise in antisemitism strengthened my conviction: I would not be a bystander. To the Jewish community in Australia and beyond—I say this unequivocally: You are not alone. Many “among the nations” stand with you against slander, misrepresentation, and hate.
The 2023 Foundation Vision
The 2023 Foundation is built on a simple yet powerful truth: seeing is believing, experiencing is understanding, and personal encounters foster empathy and connection.
Too often, misinformation about Israel—fuelled by activist-driven media, radical academia, and social media echo chambers—thrives because people lack firsthand experience. If more Australians experienced Israel for themselves, they would recognise the absurdity of claims that Israel is an “apartheid state” or committing “genocide.”
To this end, The 2023 Foundation is developing programs that facilitate visits to Israel—allowing people to see the truth with their own eyes and become ambassadors of truth and reason. Our initiatives include:
- Scholarships & Educational Programs – Bringing young leaders and influencers to Israel to counter misinformation.
- Industry Placements – Connecting professionals with Israeli counterparts to foster collaboration.
- Cultural Exchanges – Facilitating interfaith and interethnic dialogues to build mutual understanding.
Our target audience consists of reasonable, open-minded non-Jews from diverse backgrounds across Australian society, many of whom have little or no first-hand experience with Israel.
The visit to Israel is not the end of the journey—it’s just the beginning. Through the 2023 Foundation Alumni Network, we ensure that the insights gained from time and reflection in Israel are translated into action back home. The alumni will be supported and mentored to help them gain the confidence and resilience to pass the messages to others to achieve a positive effect on social cohesion in Australia.
Our alumni will become ambassadors for truth, equipped to educate, engage, and advocate within the Australian community.
By fostering ongoing dialogue, supporting initiatives, and countering misinformation, our alumni help build a grassroots movement committed to combatting antisemitism and fostering social cohesion in Australia.
Through leadership, outreach, and education, they play a crucial role in turning knowledge into impact—ensuring that their experiences in Israel continue to shape the conversation long after they return home.
A Response to Misinformation: From Debate to Experience
The Confucian philosopher Xunzi once said: “Tell me, and I forget; teach me, and I may remember; but involve me, and I learn.”
This wisdom is central to the approach of The 2023 Foundation—moving beyond abstract debates and into real-world experiences that challenge misinformation and false narratives at their core.
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946 by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, was designed to foster mutual understanding between nations through educational and cultural exchanges. Each year, it provides 8,000 grants to students, scholars, and professionals from over 160 countries, enabling them to study, teach, or conduct research abroad. I found this model appealing as it champions direct engagement to build peaceful and collaborative relationships across borders.
Similarly, our initiative champions direct engagement to build understanding, empathy and collaborative relationships within Australian society. The 2023 Foundation aspires to build a legacy similar to Fulbright; which at the time of writing is approaching its 9th decade of operation.
It’s Time
The quote, “There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come,” attributed to Victor Hugo, is particularly relevant here. The time has come for The 2023 Foundation to take the lead in fostering understanding and combating misinformation. Antisemitism in Australia is not merely a Jewish problem—it is an Australian problem. Now is the time to act, to educate, and to shape the conversation for a more informed, just, and united society.
The foundation is committed to inclusion, reaching beyond echo chambers and engaging the silent majority—partnering with diverse communities across Australia, including First Australians, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, atheists, and agnostics.
By experiencing Israel and engaging with Israeli society, participants in our programs return not just informed but transformed—ready to challenge BDS falsehoods, combat antisemitism, and advocate for truth.
The foundation also takes an unapologetic stance on Israel’s inclusivity. For example, we will sponsor LGBTQ+ groups to Tel Aviv Pride, where they experience Israel’s pluralism firsthand. This stands in stark contrast to groups like “Queers for Palestine,” a paradox as absurd as “Chickens for KFC.”
Despite the distorted narratives spread by anti-Israel activists, Israel protects the rights of all its citizens, regardless of gender, religion, or sexuality. This reality must be seen, experienced, and understood—not just debated.
A Legacy of Action: Facta Non Verba
The foundation’s motto, Facta Non Verba—“Deeds, not Words”—embodies its unwavering commitment to action. In my experience, flame wars on social media, debates in cafés in Sydney or Melbourne, or discussions over video conferences have limited value. There is no substitute for witnessing firsthand and experiencing directly to deepen understanding on matters critical to the safety and cohesion of contemporary Australia.
Antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem—it is a societal problem. Combating it cannot be the sole responsibility of governments. It demands action from civil society, business leaders, educators, and individuals alike. The time for words alone has passed; now is the time to stand up and act.
I invite you to stand with us. Join the movement. Let us partner and collaborate to be part of the solution. Because together, We will prevail.
Colonel Michael Scott CSC is the CEO and Founder of The 2023 Foundation (www.2023foundation.org.au), a charity dedicated to combatting antisemitism and fostering social cohesion and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the positions of the Australian Defence Force or the Commonwealth Government of Australia.
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