Australia Revokes Entry Visa for Israeli Lawmaker Simcha Rothman
Interior minister says Rothman spreads hate and division barring him for three years
Twitter
The Australian government has revoked the entry visa of Knesset member Simcha Rothman, head of Israel’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, citing concerns that he promotes hate and division.
Interior Minister Tony Burke announced on Monday that Rothman, who was scheduled to appear at Jewish community events in Sydney and Melbourne, would not be allowed into the country. He added that Rothman will also be barred from reapplying for a visa for the next three years.
“Our government takes a firm stance against people seeking to enter our country to spread division,” Burke said. “If you come to Australia to promote a message of hate and division, we do not want you here. Australia must remain a country where everyone can feel safe.”
Events Canceled
Rothman had been invited by the Australian Jewish Association for a “solidarity tour” meant to show support for Jewish communities facing a rise in antisemitism. Community leaders described the situation as “unprecedented” and said many Jews felt abandoned by the Australian government.
Rothman Responds
Speaking to Israeli radio, Rothman said he received the rejection just hours earlier. “I was invited by the Jewish community to strengthen them in the face of antisemitic and anti-Israeli incidents. But because I said that a Palestinian state is dangerous for Israel or that Hamas should be destroyed, my visa was canceled,” Rothman claimed.
Not the First Ban
Burke has previously blocked entry of former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked and U.S. rapper Kanye West.