Qld Jews Face Wave of Hatred

Anti-Semitism is eroding social cohesion in the Sunshine State.

Why are Jewish schoolchildren in Queensland being subjected to bullying and harassment by their classmates and teachers?

Why was a man kicked, punched and abused in the middle of Brisbane because a statement on his T-shirt expressed support for Israel?

Why are there weekly protests in Queensland, with people, including children, shouting slogans used by the terrorist organisation Hamas, which has called for a jihad against Jews?

Why did a mental health association give in to a campaign of bullying by anti-Israel activists and cancel the invitation of a world-renowned Jewish expert who had flown from Israel to speak at its conference?

As a proud Queenslander of Jewish faith, I have seen how quickly since the barbaric Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7 that people have descended into fanaticism in their vilification of Israel, Jews and anyone who supports Israel’s right to exist.

The number of reported incidents of hatred against Jews has reached record levels in Queensland. From October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023, there were a total of 47 reported anti-Semitic incidents. From October 1, 2023 to March 5, more than 60 incidents have been reported – physical violence, verbal abuse, graffiti, social media abuse and targeting of Jewish-owned businesses.

The big question is why?

Social media and the mainstream media’s parroting of Hamas’s propaganda has been despicable. Even when Hamas fabrications are proven to be lies, the damage of these falsehoods has already been done.

Greens’ Brisbane Lord Mayoral candidate Jonathan Sriranganathan has made his party’s views clear: “Zionists” are said to not be welcome, and if elected, the Greens seem to be planning an anti-Israel boycott by Brisbane City Council.

Neo-nazi groups remain active and have been spreading their hate against Jews online and in letterboxes.

We are so fortunate that Queensland is a vibrant, multicultural state, home to many races and religions, but now some are making sure Jewish people, Israelis and anyone who supports Israel’s right to exist are subjected to constant threats and harassment.

The hate toward our small Jewish community must stop.

Jason Steinberg is president of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies