Antisemitism Crisis Grips Australia: Shocking Survey Sparks Emergency Summit
A new survey reveals a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents in Australia, with one in five young adults reporting exposure, prompting the Combat Antisemitism Movement to organize an emergency summit in September 2025. The initiative aims to unite leaders across sectors to develop a national strategy to combat rising hate and violence against Jewish communities.
Australia, once considered a safe haven for Jewish communities and Israeli visitors, is grappling with a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents, prompting urgent action from the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM). A recent survey conducted by CAM revealed a troubling reality: one in five Australians aged 18–34 reported witnessing or hearing about an antisemitic incident in their area. In New South Wales, home to a significant Jewish population, the figures are even starker, with nearly one in four young adults and one in five people aged 35–54 encountering such incidents.
The survey, based on a representative sample of 1,000 Australians, also highlighted growing alienation, with only 24% describing attitudes toward Jews as “very positive” or “somewhat positive,” while 28% viewed them as “negative.” Nearly half (49%) of respondents urged elected officials and local leaders to take stronger action against hate and violence targeting religious and ethnic minorities.
The escalating situation follows violent incidents, including the arson of a Melbourne synagogue in July 2025, where 20 worshippers were inside, an act authorities described as an attempted murder. Pro-Palestinian protests in the same area targeted a restaurant owned by Israeli chef Eyal Shani, with rioters shouting “Death to the IDF!” and damaging property. In response, CAM announced an emergency summit from September 3–5, 2025, in Gold Coast, expecting hundreds of attendees, including government officials, mayors, community leaders, diplomats, and educators. The summit aims to forge a national strategy to combat antisemitism through cross-sector collaboration.
CAM’s CEO, Sacha Roytman, stated, “The situation in Australia has reached a boiling point. Local authorities are the first line of defense, and it is their duty to ensure the safety of all citizens, including Jews. The upcoming conference will provide practical tools for local leaders to fight antisemitism, violence, and intolerance. I am confident that hundreds of mayors will join our call and adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy.”
Founded in 2019, CAM has become a global leader in countering antisemitism, with its research arm, ARC, monitoring incidents worldwide, particularly since the onset of the Iron Swords war on October 7, 2023. Roytman, a former IDF spokesperson, has been instrumental in international advocacy against Israel’s delegitimization. Social media on X reflects rising concern, with one user noting, “Australia’s Jewish community is under siege, urgent action is needed.” The summit seeks to restore Australia’s reputation as a safe and inclusive nation for all.