Antisemitic attacks a reminder to defend religious freedom

Vigilance is essential in defence of religious freedom.

In recent months, there has been an alarming increase in the number of targeted attacks on Jewish places of worship, property and businesses.

This includes a terror attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne, vandalism at another synagogue in Sydney, an attack on the former home of a Jewish leader in Sydney's east, and several incidents of arson and hateful vandalism targeting cars and homes.

It is clear to see that religious persecution still exists.

These attacks in Australia have taken place in the context of wider global tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, following Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel that killed 1195 Israelis. Hamas took 251 people captive.

In October 2024, a year after the attack, we wrote about concerns that antisemitism is escalating.

Since then, despite the cease-fire deal struck between Israel and Hamas, social tension in Australia continues.

Political leaders from both sides of the aisle have rightly condemned these attacks and are taking action to end them.

Coalition leader Peter Dutton and Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson have both stated that if the Coalition forms government it will look at increasing sentences for terrorism offences, along with other measures aimed at addressing this issue.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will also convene a meeting of national cabinet to respond to these antisemitic attacks.

These continued attacks are a harsh reminder of the need to remain vigilant in the defence of religious freedom, even in a modern liberal society in 2025.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantees all Australians the right to freedom of speech, thought, conscience, and religion. And while not all persecution manifests in violent attacks, HRLA remains committed to defending ICCPR rights of all Australians to speak truth freely and practice their faith openly.