Antisemitic incidents in Victoria reach record high
Incidents related to Israel-Palestinian surged from eight per cent before October 7 to 59 per cent in 2024.
Victorian Jews have endured their most challenging year on record according to alarming new data released this week, with antisemitic incidents surging to unprecedented levels across the state.
The Victorian Antisemitism Report 2024, jointly published by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and the Community Security Group (CSG), reveals 552 antisemitic incidents were documented last year—a staggering 52 per cent increase from the previous record set in 2023.
Most concerningly, this figure exceeds the combined total of antisemitic incidents recorded over the five years from 2018 to 2022, indicating a dramatic shift in the social landscape facing Jewish Victorians.
The report identifies several disturbing trends that emerged in 2024. Following Hamas’ terror attack on Israel in October 2023, monthly antisemitic incidents stabilised at a rate four times higher than pre-attack levels, establishing what researchers describe as “a new, higher baseline for antisemitic activity”.
Incidents related to the Israel-Palestinian issue surged from eight per cent before October 7, 2023, to 59 per cent in 2024.
Perhaps most alarming is the spike in violence against Jewish community members. Antisemitic assaults increased by 320 per cent from 2023, with 42 attacks recorded—more than the previous five years combined. Attacks on Jewish property also rose sharply, with six serious property damage incidents compared to just one in 2023 and none the previous year.
The report notes a significant ideological shift in the source of antisemitism. While far-right groups traditionally dominated antisemitic activity, far-left political movements now account for 53.4 per cent of incidents, compared to 19.7 per cent linked to the far-right—a complete reversal of pre-October 2023 patterns.
Jewish institutions have increasingly become targets, with a record 231 incidents directed at community facilities in 2024, threatening the religious and cultural fabric of Jewish life in Victoria.
JCCV President Philip Zajac described 2024 as “an incredibly challenging year” for Victorian Jews, who encountered antisemitism “across the community”—from schools and synagogues to universities and train stations.
“The darkest day for us all was December 6, the day the Adass Israel Synagogue was firebombed in an as-yet unsolved terrorist attack,” Zajac said. “It is a miracle no one was seriously injured or worse.”
The JCCV hopes the report will spur action from governments, law enforcement agencies, community organisations and individuals “to ensure Jewish Victorians can live safe and proud lives.”
comments