A Comparative Analysis

Not Even Close

A Comparative Analysis of Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Australia and Globally

An antisemitic daubing in Clayton in November 2023.
An antisemitic daubing in Clayton in November 2023.

A Comparative Analysis of Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Australia and Globally

In recent years, both antisemitism and Islamophobia have garnered significant attention in Australia and worldwide. While both forms of prejudice are deeply concerning, a comparative analysis reveals that antisemitism manifests with greater frequency and severity, both domestically and internationally, particularly when considering the small size of the Jewish population.

Antisemitism in Australia

The Jewish community in Australia constitutes approximately 91,000 individuals, representing less than 0.4% of the total population of nearly 26 million. Despite their small numbers, antisemitic incidents are disproportionately high.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) documented 495 antisemitic incidents between October 2022 and September 2023, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year. Following the events of October 7, 2023, there was a staggering 316% surge in antisemitic incidents, with 2,062 cases recorded in just one month. These incidents included physical assaults, vandalism, and hate speech, disproportionately targeting a tiny minority population. On a per capita basis, this equates to 1 antisemitic incident for every 44 Jews in Australia.

Islamophobia in Australia

The Muslim population in Australia is significantly larger, estimated at approximately 813,000 individuals, or about 3.2% of the total population. Islamophobia Register Australia documented 930 verified Islamophobic incidents from 2014 to 2021. Their most recent data shows 133 incidents in a single month following the October 2023 events, compared to the pre-October average of 2.5 incidents per week.

While concerning, the per capita frequency of Islamophobic incidents is significantly lower than that of antisemitic incidents. Even with the surge, this equates to 1 Islamophobic incident for every 6,100 Muslims during the October–November 2023 period—a stark contrast to the targeting of the Jewish community.

Acts of Violence in Australia Since October 7, 2023

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a coordinated attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and numerous abductions. In the aftermath, Australia experienced a significant rise in religiously motivated attacks, exacerbated by the uncritical spread of Hamas propaganda through social media and international outlets. This messaging has amplified hostility, fostering environments conducive to real-world violence.

In April 2024, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel—a member of the Assyrian Church of the East, an ancient Christian denomination rooted in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and surrounding regions)—was stabbed during a service at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney, losing sight in one eye. The attacker, a 16-year-old Muslim, was motivated by religious extremism and inflammatory comments about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. New South Wales Police classified the incident as a terrorist act.

In November 2024, anti-Israel vandalism and arson in Woollahra, Sydney, led to two arrests. Mohammed Farhat, 20, was detained at Sydney International Airport while attempting to flee to Bali. He faces 21 charges, including property destruction, and remains in custody. Thomas Stojanovski, 19, was arrested at his Arncliffe home and faces identical charges. Both await court proceedings.

In December 2024, the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, was firebombed. While worshippers escaped unharmed, the attack caused significant damage. Authorities are treating this as a terrorist act and are searching for three suspects.

Later in December 2024, another car arson incident occurred in Woollahra, Sydney. A Toyota Corolla was set ablaze, and anti-Israel graffiti defaced seven properties. Witnesses reported seeing two masked individuals fleeing the scene. The New South Wales Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

These incidents underscore the alarming rise in religious tensions, highlighting the need for vigilance and countermeasures against the spread of extremist propaganda. In contrast, there have been no comparable violent crimes targeting Muslims in Australia during this period. While individual cases of Islamophobic rhetoric and minor altercations exist, they do not match the severity or frequency of antisemitic incidents, such as the firebombing of a synagogue or violent physical assaults against Jewish individuals.

Global Perspective

Globally, the disproportionate nature of antisemitism becomes even more evident when population size is considered:

  • United States:  home to approximately 7.5 million Jews (2.3% of the population), has seen antisemitic incidents surge by over 200% since October 7, 2023, with more than 10,000 cases reported by September 2024. The Anti-Defamation League recorded 400 incidents on college campuses, a stark rise from 33 in the same period in 2022, and over 3,000 incidents occurred during anti-Israel rallies, many openly supporting Hamas and Hezbollah. This alarming escalation underscores the growing threat faced by the Jewish community in the U.S. following the Hamas attack on Israel.
  • European Union: The European Union, home to significant Jewish populations in France (445,000) and the UK (270,000), has experienced a marked rise in antisemitism since October 7, 2023. In the UK alone, incidents surged by over 500% in the weeks following the Hamas attack, compared to the same period in 2022. Many of these incidents occurred alongside anti-Israel protests, often featuring explicit hostility toward Jewish communities. Considering escalating antisemitism and societal tensions in France, Chief Rabbi Haïm Korsia has advised French Jews to consider emigration for their safety. This counsel reflects growing concerns about the community’s future amid rising extremism and inadequate protection from political entities. The Chief Rabbi’s guidance underscores the precarious position of Jews in France, caught between increasing antizionism on the far left and xenophobia on the far right.
  • Globally for Muslims: Globally, the Muslim population is currently estimated at 1.9 billion, accounting for nearly 25% of the world’s population. This marks a significant increase from approximately 750 million, or about 16.5% of the global population, in 1980. While Islamophobia remains a significant issue, reports indicate that the scale and intensity of targeted violence do not match the per capita prevalence of antisemitic incidents. Nevertheless, numerous Muslim-majority communities face systemic discrimination and societal prejudice, particularly in countries with minority Muslim populations.

Moral and Legal Obligations

Religious Teachings on Laws of the Land

The Torah emphasizes the principle of “Dina de-Malkhuta Dina” (דִּינָא דְּמַלְכוּתָא דִּינָא), meaning “The law of the kingdom is the law,” which obligates Jews to follow the civil laws of their host nation, provided they do not conflict with religious commandments.

Similarly, Islamic teachings stress adherence to the laws of the land. The Qur’an states: “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:59). The Prophet Muhammad also taught that agreements and covenants, such as those of citizenship, must be honoured.

The Australian Values Statement

Australia’s approach to promoting social cohesion is embodied in the Australian Values Statement, which visa applicants must sign. Introduced in 2007 as part of changes to the Migration Act 1958, it requires adherence to core Australian values such as respect for the rule of law, equality, and mutual respect. This reflects Australia’s commitment to integrating migrants into a society built on democratic and egalitarian principles.

“I confirm that I understand:

  1. Australian society values respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnic background; and a fair go for all that encourages mutual respect, tolerance, compassion for those in need, and equality of opportunity for all.”
  2. I understand that English is Australia’s national language and is an important unifying element of Australian society.
  3. I undertake to conduct myself in accordance with these values and to obey the laws of Australia during my stay in Australia.”

Recorded Examples of Religious Clerics Advocating Violence in Australia

A literature review has indicated that within Australia, most religious leaders promote peace and tolerance, yet isolated instances of incendiary rhetoric by clerics from different faiths have drawn attention. These cases, though not representative of broader religious communities, highlight the need for vigilance in addressing divisive rhetoric.

Muslim Clerics: Several Muslim clerics in Australia have faced scrutiny for inflammatory sermons:

  • Sheikh Feiz Mohammad: Known for his controversial “Death Series” DVDs, has been criticised for urging young Muslims to engage in violent jihad and making derogatory references to Jews, including calling them “pigs.” His statements, first reported in 2007, prompted investigations into potential incitement to violence.
  • Ismail al-Wahwah: In 2014, Ismail al-Wahwah, a leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Australia, called for jihad against Jews, describing them as a “cancerous tumour” to be “uprooted.” These remarks were widely condemned for promoting hatred and violence.
  • Wissam Haddad (Abu Ousayd): In 2023, Wissam Haddad delivered sermons labelling Jews as “vile” and “treacherous,” claiming their influence pervades businesses and the media. Legal action was initiated against him by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry for potential violations of anti-racism laws.

Christian Clerics: While less common, there have been isolated instances of Christian leaders expressing views perceived as inflammatory. Some Protestant preachers have perpetuated the notion that Jews are collectively responsible for the death of Jesus. Although such views are rare, they have been addressed and condemned by both religious and Jewish community organizations.

Jewish Clerics: Incidents involving Jewish clerics (Rabbis) in Australia making incendiary statements are extremely rare. In 2012, a Rabbi attracted criticism for opposing LGBTQ+ inclusion programs, arguing that they conflicted with Jewish teachings. While controversial, his stance was framed within religious beliefs rather than promoting violence.

Antisemitism as a Barometer of Intolerance

Historically, antisemitism has often been described as the “canary in the coal mine,” a precursor to broader societal decay. As historian Robert Wistrich aptly stated, “Antisemitism is a light sleeper.” Its resurgence serves not merely as an attack on the Jewish people but as a warning sign of rising hatred and societal fragmentation.

In Australia, the disparity between how antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric is addressed raises troubling questions. While Jewish communities face a disproportionate share of blame and violence, there is a growing perception that Islamic hate preachers, some of whom skirt the boundaries of incitement, receive less scrutiny or accountability. Addressing these imbalances is critical not only for protecting Jewish communities but for maintaining the integrity of Australia’s commitment to justice and equality.

Both antisemitism and Islamophobia are critical issues requiring attention and action. However, when viewed through the lens of population size and frequency of incidents, antisemitism stands as an unparalleled challenge. In Australia, Jewish individuals are over 100 times more likely to experience targeted hate than their Muslim counterparts. The stark reality is that, when the data is examined, the disparity is not even close, underscoring the urgent need for focused strategies to combat this form of prejudice.

As historian Yuval Noah Harari has observed, “Data is the most powerful tool we have to understand the world and make informed decisions.” Yet, attempts by Australians—whether in parliament, academia, the media, or the wider community—to equate antisemitism and Islamophobia fail to acknowledge these glaring discrepancies. Such comparisons, as critics suggest, “don’t pass the pub test.” Recognising and addressing these inequities is essential to ensure that resources and policies are targeted appropriately to address the specific challenges faced by each community.

To effectively combat prejudice, policymakers must heed the evidence, allocate resources proportionally, and develop solutions that reflect the unique realities confronting each group. Failure to do so risks diluting efforts to combat hatred and undermining the fundamental values that underpin Australian society.

Colonel Michael Scott, CSC, is the CEO and Founder of the 2023 Foundation, a charity dedicated to combatting antisemitism and fostering 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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