Queensland Jewish community condemns anti-Israel Labor motions

The Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies has strongly condemned a suite of anti-Israel motions passed at last weekend’s Queensland Labor Party conference, saying they are based on “disproven claims” and “harmful rhetoric”.

The resolutions, passed almost unanimously on Sunday, urged the federal government to review all political, cultural, economic and military ties with Israel and issue “explicit legal warnings” to Australians serving in the Israel Defence Forces that they could face criminal liability for alleged war crimes.

The motions also called for expanded sanctions on Israeli officials, a comprehensive two-way arms embargo including suspension of Australia’s involvement in the F-35 Consortium, and increased scrutiny of the Future Fund’s investments to ensure they do not contribute to what delegates described as “genocide” or settlement expansion.

The Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies (QJBD) said the motions relied on propaganda and ignore reality on the ground.

“Claims that Israel is blocking essential supplies, militarising aid delivery or repressing UNRWA are not factual,” QJBD said in a statement on social media.

“They repeat talking points pushed by extremist groups and ignore the reality on the ground, including the current ceasefire arrangements that Hamas continues to break.”

QJBD said Israel had facilitated unprecedented levels of humanitarian aid into Gaza, even as Hamas steals supplies and attacks crossings.

“UNRWA itself has faced extensive credible evidence of corruption, infiltration by Hamas and, in some cases, staff involvement in the seven October attacks,” the statement said.

The Queensland Labor motion also referred to Gaza as occupied territory, which QJBD said was “simply incorrect”.

“Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. Hamas controls the territory and has spent years turning it into a base for terrorism rather than supporting the wellbeing of its own population,” QJBD said.

The motion on Australian IDF members, moved by Labor Friends of Palestine convener Wendy Turner, called for mandatory investigations and prosecutions where credible allegations of complicity in international crimes exist.

Turner told delegates there were “probably over 1000 Australian citizens” serving in the IDF.

The resolution referenced comments by former minister Ed Husic, who called in September for the government to warn Australians about risks of participating in IDF actions in Gaza.

QJBD said the motion’s attempt to target Australian citizens serving in the IDF was “deeply troubling”.

“Unlike Australia, military service is compulsory for the majority of Israeli citizens. For this reason, Australians who live in Israel and have dual citizenship may be obligated to serve in the IDF,” QJBD said.

“To think Queensland Labor would accuse these Australian citizens of potential criminal liability, without evidence or due process, is outrageous, creates a climate of distrust and risks fuelling further hostility towards Jewish Australians.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin told The Australian it was “difficult to imagine an issue of less relevance to Queenslanders than this latest anti-Israel foray”.

“There are activists across political and social movements who remain so fixated on Israel that they will use whatever platform they are given to indulge ideological obsessions and to recruit others to their hatred,” he said.

“These activists cannot be moderated or bargained with. If they are allowed to pursue their agenda, they will not only contribute to societal disharmony through the importation of foreign conflict, they will relegate their institutions to irrelevance.”

QJBD said Jewish Australians are experiencing the most significant rise in antisemitism in decades.

“At a time when Jewish Australians are experiencing the most significant rise in antisemitism in decades, this approach is harmful and alienating. It singles out Israel, a democratic nation like Australia, for harsh and one-sided treatment,” QJBD said.

“After the most devastating attack on Jews since the Holocaust, Queenslanders should be working towards healing, unity and constructive dialogue. Instead, this motion risks deepening division and eroding trust at a time when responsible leadership is needed.”

The conference also passed motions calling for increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, expanded visa pathways for Palestinian refugees, restoration of higher UNRWA funding, and a scholarship program for Palestinian students to study at Australian universities.

A spokesperson for attorney-general Michelle Rowland told The Australian that “all Australians, including those serving in armed conflicts, need to abide by applicable Australian laws”.