Impossible Pressures: Let’s Do Better, Australia!

Introduction

There exists an uncomfortable reality in Australia: antisemitic views held by individuals of Jewish heritage. For many, the notion seems paradoxical—how could members of a community shaped by millennia of persecution and the trauma of the Holocaust internalise antisemitism? Yet, this phenomenon is real and demands exploration.

While entrenched views among some individuals may be difficult to change, young Jewish Australians face unique and urgent challenges. Navigating immense pressures compounded by biased narratives in media and society, they require understanding and support. Non-Jewish Australians must recognise these challenges and take responsibility for alleviating them.

This article calls for reflection and action, anchored in the universal ethic: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

The Historical Roots of Jewish Antisemitism

The term “self-hating Jew” has long been used to describe individuals who reject or disparage their Jewish identity. Theodor Lessing’s Der jüdische Selbsthaß (1930) explored how societal rejection forces some Jews to internalise antisemitic attitudes. Psychologist Kurt Lewin observed that such individuals often long for acceptance by the majority, leading them to reject their heritage.

Today, this manifests as alignment with anti-Zionist ideologies, where Jewish individuals join movements that delegitimise Israel or apply double standards to its policies. By doing so, they unintentionally contribute to an ecosystem of antisemitic rhetoric.

The Burden on Young Jewish Australians

Young Jewish Australians are caught in a moral dilemma, exacerbated by mainstream media and social platforms that amplify antisemitic narratives under the guise of legitimate critique. Trusted outlets like the ABC, once seen as credible, have contributed to an environment where young Jews feel forced to choose between their cultural identity and social acceptance.

This untenable position worsened after the Hamas terror attacks of October 7, 2023. Non-Jewish Australians who perpetuate this dynamic bear responsibility for creating a quagmire that alienates and isolates young Jewish Australians.

What Is Zionism?

At its core, Zionism advocates for the political and cultural self-determination of the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland. Historically, this was not a universal aspect of Jewish identity, and some Jewish groups continue to critique Zionism based on ideological, ethical, or theological grounds.

Religious Anti-Zionism: Groups like Neturei Karta oppose Zionism for theological reasons, believing that a Jewish state should not exist until the arrival of the Messiah. While their opposition stems from religious convictions, it fails to address modern realities of Jewish vulnerability.
Ethical Critiques: Groups like Jewish Voice for Peace oppose Zionism as conflicting with values of justice and equality. However, their singular focus on Israel ignores accountability for Palestinian leadership and human rights abuses, reflecting a bias that undermines Jewish self-determination.
Historical Perspectives: Movements like the Jewish Bund prioritised cultural and political autonomy in the diaspora over nationalism. While rooted in a rich tradition of debate, such perspectives do not account for the lessons of history: without sovereignty, Jewish safety cannot be guaranteed.

The Line Between Critique and Antisemitism

Criticising Israeli policies is legitimate; denying Israel’s right to exist is antisemitic. When Jewish anti-Zionists align with movements seeking to dismantle Israel, they empower actors who are not concerned with justice but with eroding Jewish sovereignty.

International Bias Against Israel

Sustained international scrutiny of Israel often crosses the line into antisemitism.

UN Resolutions: The United Nations Human Rights Council passes more resolutions against Israel than against nations with systemic abuses, such as North Korea or Syria.
Selective Standards: Territorial disputes like Tibet or Kashmir receive far less attention than Israeli settlements.

This disproportionate focus creates a cultural narrative where young Jews feel pressured to disavow Zionism to gain social acceptance. It fosters a false choice: abandon support for Jewish sovereignty or face social exclusion.

A Strange Coalition

Modern antisemitism emerges from an unlikely coalition of Islamists, Marxists, anarchists, and hard-left zealots. Despite their ideological differences, these groups unite in disdain for Israel. Within this alliance, some individuals exploit their Jewish heritage to attack their own community.

As Douglas Murray stated, “Those who say the Jewish state alone is illegitimate are not simply anti-Zionist but antisemitic.” Natasha Hausdorff adds, “Anti-Zionism is antisemitism because it singles out Jewish self-determination for opprobrium.”

Paradoxically, communities familiar with oppression—such as Iranians, Copts, and Kurds—often support Zionism, recognising its role in self-determination. Meanwhile, some Australians influenced by ideological trends perpetuate antisemitism, passively or actively.

What Can Non-Jewish Australians Do?

To combat rising antisemitism, Australia must prioritise accountability, education, and solidarity.

Accountability: Antisemitism in politics, universities, and media must be addressed. Politicians and officials who fail to act against attacks on Jewish institutions should resign or be removed.
Education: Campaigns highlighting the contributions and resilience of Jewish Australians can combat ignorance and foster understanding.
Solidarity: Non-Jewish Australians must stand against hate. As Edmund Burke warned, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Allyship strengthens society and counters prejudice.

A Call to Action

The Jewish people’s history is one of resilience and meaningful debate. As the Late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks said, “If we want to fight antisemitism, let us walk tall and proud as Jews, and let us work with all humanity to banish hatred forever.”

To Jewish Australians: stand tall and embrace your identity. To non-Jewish Australians: stand with the Jewish community and help young Jewish Australians move beyond the “Sophie’s Choice” they often face—a heartbreaking dilemma between cultural identity and social acceptance. No one should have to choose between being true to themselves and being embraced by society.

As the Talmud teaches, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If not now, when?” Let us act now to create a society where young Australians, regardless of their background, can thrive without fear or compromise.

Colonel Michael Scott, CSC, is the Founder and CEO of The 2023 Foundation, an Australian charity dedicated to combating antisemitism and fostering peaceful coexistence. With over 30 years of military service and extensive experience in conflict zones, Michael advocates for resilience, strategy, and solidarity.

These views are his own and do not reflect the positions of the Australian Defence Force or the Commonwealth Government of Australia.

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