The strategic motivations behind Sydney’s antisemitic attacks

In recent months, Sydney has found itself grappling with an alarming surge of antisemitic attacks, a deeply troubling development that exposes vulnerabilities in Australian society and the complex interplay between criminality, international politics, and domestic divisions. Yet despite clear evidence of these threats, political responses have often been weak, misguided, or driven by self-interest, leaving the Jewish community increasingly isolated and vulnerable.

Authorities recently uncovered disturbing evidence linking high-profile antisemitic incidents, such as vandalism, arson, threats, and even an alarming, staged terror plot involving a caravan loaded with explosives, to criminal gangs. Initially suspected as a terror attack directed against Jewish institutions, further investigation revealed that these incidents were carefully orchestrated diversions by organised criminal groups motivated by financial and strategic gains rather than mere ideological hatred.

These revelations expose a disturbing pattern: criminal syndicates are exploiting antisemitic sentiment as a tactical distraction. Antisemitic incidents demand intensive policing resources, attention, and media coverage, thereby diverting authorities away from investigating their primary criminal enterprises, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and organised theft. By strategically deploying hate crimes, these syndicates effectively manipulate law enforcement, creating gaps in policing efforts that criminals exploit.

Alarmingly, deeper investigations indicate these criminal acts have also been financially incentivised by overseas entities. Payments, often through cryptocurrencies and other difficult-to-trace financial channels, flow into Australia, highlighting a troubling international dimension. These foreign financial incentives suggest that antisemitic attacks in Australia are part of broader geopolitical tactics employed by external actors seeking to destabilise Australia as an anchor Indo-Pacific democratic society.

Several potential foreign actors stand to benefit strategically from antisemitic unrest in Australia. Russia, known for employing hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns, has historically benefited from internal divisions within democratic societies, distracting their allies from international issues and weakening global alliances. Iran similarly holds strategic interests in fuelling antisemitic tensions, particularly given its adversarial relationship with Israel and Western countries allied with America. By destabilising social cohesion, Iran could indirectly influence Australian foreign policy and regional alignments. This is apart from the Iranian regime’s intense Antisemitism and history of attacking Jewish communities around the world.

Even China, although traditionally less overtly hostile towards Jewish communities, might find strategic advantage in promoting societal divisions within Australia to weaken its resolve on international stages, particularly regarding Indo-Pacific security and diplomatic unity.

Non-state extremist organisations, including Islamist extremist groups like Hezbollah, ISIS, and Hamas supporters strategically utilise antisemitism to incite internal chaos, provoke retaliation against Muslim communities, and radicalise recruits globally. And let us not put aside their overt racist Jew-hatred, willingly supported by local academics, students and muslim preachers. Similarly, far-right international extremist networks benefit from stoking hatred to undermine democratic ideals and multicultural stability, further destabilising liberal societies from within.

In the midst of this complex threat landscape, recent comments by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke demonstrate a profound misunderstanding of the issue at hand. Burke suggested that, since these attacks were financially motivated, they did not indicate “deep-seated hatred” within the Australian community. This statement is deeply problematic and misguided for several critical reasons.

Firstly, antisemitism—irrespective of the underlying motives—exploits existing prejudices, amplifying tensions and fears. Whether an attack is motivated by hate, profit, or geopolitical manipulation, the practical impact on victims remains profound and traumatic. Burke’s statement undermines the severity of antisemitic incidents by suggesting their harmful effects are somehow less significant if the attackers’ primary motivation is financial.
Secondly, such comments risk fostering complacency among authorities, reducing the urgency to address antisemitism comprehensively. Suggesting these attacks aren’t indicative of deeper societal issues ignores the fact that these acts, regardless of motive, capitalise on existing prejudices. This oversight inadvertently emboldens extremist elements and criminal groups, potentially leading to more severe consequences.

Moreover, Minister Burke’s remarks have broader political implications, highlighting how Australia’s Jewish community has increasingly become a “political football,” exploited for partisan advantage rather than genuinely protected. Politicians from various parties have leveraged antisemitic incidents either to dramatise social divisions or to downplay them, depending on political advantage. This leaves the Jewish community feeling increasingly marginalised and uncertain of genuine governmental commitment to its safety.

The Australian Jewish community now finds itself at the nexus of ideological extremism, organised crime, foreign geopolitical manipulation, and domestic political opportunism. This multi-dimensional threat demands more than simplistic or politically expedient responses—it calls for nuanced, informed, and robust action.

To genuinely combat this escalating crisis, Australian policymakers must urgently reinforce intelligence-sharing partnerships with international allies to trace and disrupt financial pathways supporting antisemitic attacks. Enhancing intelligence cooperation with allies is imperative to trace foreign funding and disrupt these criminal operations effectively.

And it is in intelligence sharing with Israel, now more than ever, that a solid partnership is needed. Historic intelligence sharing between Israel and Australia has yielded significant benefits for Australia’s national security, notably in counterterrorism efforts. A prominent example is Israel’s role in thwarting a major terrorist plot targeting an Australian flight.

Beyond specific incidents, Israel and Australia participate in broader intelligence-sharing initiatives. Both countries are contributors to Operation Gallant Phoenix, a secretive U.S.-led operation that involves approximately 30 nations collaborating to share intelligence on jihadist terror organisations. This multinational effort facilitates the prosecution of terrorists and enhances global counterterrorism strategies.

Additionally, Australia is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance that includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. This partnership enables the sharing of signals intelligence and has been instrumental in monitoring global threats. Israel’s close ties with several members further augment the intelligence-sharing framework, indirectly benefiting Australia’s security posture.

Yet the Australian Government, especially through the offices of the Foreign Minister Penny Wong, has increasingly removed itself from an alliance posture with Israel toward open hostility. Talk about undermining the national interest for local political gain!

Moreover, Australian policymakers must adopt clearer, stronger, and unambiguous legislation specifically targeting hate crimes. Current legislative proposals, such as the Victorian Justice Legislation Amendment Bill, must provide clarity and ensure that they address antisemitism effectively without inadvertently suppressing legitimate free speech or becoming tools for political manipulation. Ambiguities in the law only provide loopholes that criminals and foreign actors can exploit.

Community resilience is another vital priority. Strengthening inter-community understanding and relationships will reduce the effectiveness of divisive and manipulative tactics employed by criminal groups and foreign actors. Government sponsored public education campaigns promoting inter-community solidarity and understanding are essential to protect against exploitation of societal divisions.

Furthermore, political leaders must demonstrate decisive, transparent, and unequivocal leadership. Minister Burke’s comments exemplify the current absence of this clear leadership. Politicians must avoid simplifying complex threats into politically convenient narratives. Recognising and publicly condemning antisemitic acts as unequivocally harmful, irrespective of motive, sends a critical message to criminals, extremist ideologues, and foreign adversaries alike.

This multi-dimensional crisis demands heightened vigilance from law enforcement, communities, and political leaders. Increased resources for community protection, clear communication from government figures, and coordinated law enforcement strategies must become priorities. Authorities must ensure that antisemitism—whether ideologically or financially driven—is treated as a serious threat deserving of comprehensive and coordinated responses.

The Australian Jewish community, therefore, finds itself caught in a uniquely complex and perilous situation. Politicians from across the spectrum, by misunderstanding or intentionally misrepresenting antisemitism’s complex nature, inadvertently amplify the dangers facing Jewish Australians. The Jewish community is becoming little more than a political football—used to score political points rather than receiving genuine, consistent protection and support.

The current situation demands immediate acknowledgment and action. Tony Burke’s recent comments underline precisely what must be avoided: simplistic, politically convenient statements that minimise antisemitism’s reality and dangers. Australia must decisively and transparently confront these complex threats with clarity and genuine commitment.
Australia must unequivocally recognise that antisemitism, no matter the source or motivation, represents a genuine threat to democracy and community stability. The Australian Jewish community deserves more than to be treated as a convenient political punching bag.

Adam Slonim is a Presenter for Behind The Headlines radio show and podcast.

Opinion