Security funding “not dealing with the problem”
Albanese grants $32 million for Jewish community
The Australian government has announced an additional $32.5 million in security funding for Jewish communities, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressing growing concerns about antisemitism.
The funding will be provided over the next 18 months, following the near-complete expenditure of a previous $25 million allocation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this grant will enable the community to provide support and security on the basis of priorities established by the community themselves
“Antisemitism is disgraceful, and I unequivocally condemn it in all its forms. Every Australian has the right to be proud of who they are and to feel welcome, safe and supported in Australia” the Prime Minister says.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said there is no higher priority than community safety for the Albanese Government.
“Antisemitism has no place in Australia. We all have a responsibility to fight against it. This announcement builds on previous support for the Jewish community, including funding for increased security, criminalising doxxing and banning the Nazi salute and hate symbols” Dreyfus said
ECAJ President Daniel Aghion has welcomed the financial support but emphasised the need for more comprehensive action.
“We are grateful for the government’s support, but this is still about protecting our institutions from attack,” Aghion said.
He stressed that the funding is reactive rather than preventative, saying, “It is not getting ahead of the problem, and it is not dealing with the causes of antisemitism and preventing the attacks and risk in the first place.”
Aghion called for a broader national approach, asserting, “This is not about the Australian Jewish community alone. This is about what it means to be Australian and what we expect in terms of being able to live freely and peacefully in this country.”
ECAJ has submitted a letter to the government requesting additional measures, including an urgent national task force to address antisemitism.
Jeremy Leibler, President of the Zionist Federation of Australia, has welcomed the additional security funding for the Jewish community, along with the Coalition’s announcement on a range of measures to combat the scourge of Jew-hate in Australia.
“It is profoundly sad that these measures are even required in Australia in 2024; twelve months of unchecked incitement, violence, and hate on our streets has allowed us to get to this place” said.
The funding announcement comes amid increasing community concerns about antisemitic incidents and the safety of Jewish institutions across Australia.
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